Nigeria Steps Up Efforts in Plastic Waste Management

One of the key strengths of the NPPWM is its emphasis on the role of local and state governments in driving change.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): In recent years, plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental issues globally, and Nigeria is no exception. As plastic consumption continues to rise, the country is faced with an increasing challenge in managing plastic waste effectively.

To tackle this growing problem, the Nigerian government introduced the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management (NPPWM) in 2021. This policy sets out a clear roadmap for reducing plastic waste and pollution while promoting sustainable practices in the use and recycling of plastics.

In this article, we explore the objectives of the NPPWM, the recommended guidelines for its implementation, and the role local and state governments will play in turning the policy’s goals into action.

Nigeria’s National Policy on Plastic Waste Management: a step towards sustainability

Plastic waste is a major environmental concern across the globe, and Nigeria, with its rapidly growing population and increasing urbanisation, faces a particularly challenging situation.

In 2021, the Nigerian government took a significant step towards addressing this issue by launching the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management (NPPWM).

The policy acknowledges the dual challenge of growing plastic consumption and inadequate systems for waste management, which has led to plastic pollution in many areas of the country.

The primary objective of the NPPWM is to promote a sustainable approach to plastic usage by managing its entire lifecycle—from production to disposal.

This means not only reducing the volume of plastic waste generated but also ensuring that the plastic already in the environment is properly recycled or diverted from landfills.

Additionally, the policy encourages the use of plastics as a valuable resource, focusing on recycling and reuse rather than single-use disposables.

Key policy goals

The NPPWM lays out several key goals that aim to address the plastic waste issue in Nigeria. These include:

Improved waste management: The policy promotes better waste management practices, ensuring that plastic waste is effectively collected, sorted, and recycled.

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: By reducing plastic waste and increasing recycling rates, the policy seeks to limit the environmental impact of plastic production and disposal, which contributes to climate change.

Limiting single-use plastics (SUPs): The NPPWM recognises the environmental harm caused by single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, bottles, and packaging. To mitigate this, the policy aims to reduce reliance on these items by encouraging alternatives and better management practices.

Encouraging circularity in the plastic value chain: Circularity refers to a system where plastic is reused, recycled, and kept in use for as long as possible, reducing the need for new plastic production. The policy pushes for a shift in how plastics are handled, encouraging a more sustainable lifecycle for plastic products.

The role of local and state governments

One of the key strengths of the NPPWM is its emphasis on the role of local and state governments in driving change. While national policies and regulations are important, many of the most effective actions need to be carried out on a local level.

For instance, local governments are often responsible for waste collection, recycling efforts, and enforcement of regulations related to waste disposal. Therefore, the NPPWM stresses the importance of local engagement in the implementation of plastic waste management strategies.

In line with this, the NPPWM outlines a set of guidelines that provide clear actions for local and state governments to follow. These guidelines focus on three main areas: improving plastic waste collection, enhancing recycling processes, and reducing single-use plastics.

 

Courtesy: www.packaging-gateway.com