FG Develops National Strategy to Phase out Plastics
Adedayo Akinwale
The federal government has revealed that it has developed a national strategy to phase-out non-biodegradable plastics as part of effort aimed at addressing the menace of plastic pollution in Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibril, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja to commemorate 2018 Earth Day with the theme: ‘End Plastic Pollution’.
He said the national strategy is being developed in collaboration with critical stakeholders in the sector.
The minsiter said the federal government is exploring the possibility of banning plastic bags with availability of alternatives; while also encouraging household and community recycling of plastic bottles as a matter of community action and of state legislation.
He stressed that the federal government is presently developing a National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, while also implementing a National Plastic Waste Recycling Programme to establish plastic waste recycling plants across the country in partnership with state governments.
Jibril also revealed that eight plants had already been completed and handed over to the states while 18 others are at various stages of completion.
He noted: “Government is also collaborating with states to establish plastic waste recycling plants under the community-based waste management programme of the ministry.
“Two plants have been completed in Ilorin, Kwara State, while one is in Lokoja, Kogi State. Work on another plant is on-going in Karu Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State. Other locations include Bola Jari in Gombe State and Leda Jari in Kano State.”
Earth Day is celebrated April 22 every year.