The federal government has inaugurated a 14-member Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Ban of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs), marking a major step toward advancing environmental sustainability and reforming waste management across the country.
The development was announced in a statement issued Tuesday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen.
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“The Federal Government has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Ban of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs), marking a significant step toward environmental sustainability and waste management reform in the country,” the statement said.
Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary overseeing the General Services Office, Mohammed Danjuma, said the ban aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental standards and efforts to reduce plastic pollution that threatens public health, ecosystems, and marine life.
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“The Federal Government arrived at this decision following a Federal Executive Council Memorandum EC (2024), presented by the Honourable Minister of Environment, at its meeting held on Tuesday, 25 June 2024,” Mr Danjuma said.
He explained that the FEC decision, in line with the government’s drive to tackle various health and environmental challenges caused by single-use plastic products, approved the ban of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, styrofoam, plastic bags, sachet water, and straws, which have become a major sanitation challenge.
Mr Danjuma noted that the indiscriminate disposal of plastic materials contributes significantly to marine pollution and land degradation, stressing that plastic waste takes years to decompose and poses serious threats to wildlife and human health due to the release of toxic chemicals.
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According to the statement, the committee comprises representatives from key ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as stakeholder organisations. It is tasked with coordinating and overseeing the implementation of policies and strategies to phase out single-use plastics nationwide.
The committee’s terms of reference include investigating issues related to single-use plastics, evaluating the benefits and broader implications of the ban, and designing strategies to promote best environmental practices within the plastic value chain.
Officials say the initiative underscores Nigeria’s leadership in environmental stewardship and its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Global plastics talks
The government’s move comes amid ongoing international efforts to establish a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.
In August, after more than ten days of extensive negotiations, delegations from about 184 countries, including Nigeria, were unable to reach a consensus on adopting an international plastics treaty.
The talks, held in Geneva, Switzerland, revealed deep divisions among member states, with delegates rejecting three proposed drafts intended for adoption.
Nigeria’s concerns and demands
Following the adjournment of the INC-5.2 plenary in Geneva, Nigeria’s Head of Delegation, Jibrin Ahmadu, reiterated the country’s commitment to constructive engagement.
“Nigeria’s circumstances and capabilities must be respected in line with the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities,” Mr Ahmadu said.
He stressed that Nigeria would not support an outcome that disregards its core positions, urging parties to work toward a text that is balanced, implementable, and inclusive.
Mr Ahmadu also underscored the need for robust, predictable, and adequately resourced financial mechanisms, alongside guaranteed access to appropriate and affordable technologies. These, he said, are essential for meaningful and sustainable implementation of the plastics instrument.
As part of its negotiation priorities, Nigeria called for a clear and inclusive definition of plastics that leaves no ambiguity in scope. The delegation also sought recognition of national action plans as the primary vehicles for implementation—guided but not restricted by international frameworks.
Nigeria further urged the removal of bracketed text and unclear provisions that undermine certainty and called for a fair implementation framework that supports national development priorities.
“Nigeria acknowledges and welcomes the proposal for Kenya to host the secretariat, noting the strategic geographical and political significance of situating it on the continent of Africa,” Mr Ahmadu added.
Committee members
Details show that the 14-member Inter-Ministerial Committee includes: Representative from the OSGF – Chairman / PS GSO, Representative from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) – Member, Representative from the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) – Member and Representative from the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) – Member.
READ ALSO: Recycle or Cut Production: The Politics of Plastics Economy
Others are Legal Adviser (Federal Ministry of Justice), Regulatory Body as may be co-opted, Representative from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Representative from NACCIMA, Representative from National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (nMSME), and Representatives from Research Institutions (e.g., Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, and universities with environmental science programmes).
Other members of the committee are Representative from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) focused on environmental sustainability and waste management, technical experts on packaging and recycling technologies co-opted from academia/private sector, Representative from Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Office of the SGF (GSO) —Member/Secretary
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