Nigeria House Committee Clears Bill to Ban Plastic Bags

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Environment and Habitat passed a bill that proposes ban on the manufacturing, importation and use of plastic bags for domestic and commercial use. The bill will now be scrutinized by a conference committee of the house and senate before being forwarded to the President for final approval.

According to the bill, any retailer who provides customers with plastic bag at the point of sale is guilty of an offense. Instead, retailers are required to offer paper bags to customers. Also, any person who manufactures plastic bag for the purpose of selling or one who imports plastic bag as a carryout bag or for sale will be punishable. Any person who violates the bill conditions will face a fine not exceeding N500,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years or both of the above. In addition, the companies found guilty of breaking the law will have to pay a fine of up to N5 million.

Meantime, concerns are being raised about the necessity of the ban on plastic bags and the feasibility of the ban in a country like Nigeria which consumes huge quantities of small as well as big plastic bags. Furthermore, the bill does not mention or recommend recycling of plastics, which contributes immensely to cleaner environment. On the other hand, supporters of the bill claim that the proposed ban would minimize the creation of plastic waste, which mostly ends up in oceans around the world. Further, it will also lead to cleanup of Nigeria’s environment.