Nigeria Partners with UN Agency In Fight Against Plastic Waste

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The federal government of Nigeria announced that it has tied up with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the government of Japan to unleash a research study aimed at solving the problem of plastic waste pollution in the country. The project will be implemented by UNIDO and funded by the government of Japan.

Mohammad Mahmood, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment noted that the country, with a population of around 200 million, generates nearly 1.5 million tons of plastic waste every year. Only less than 10% of the waste is recycled. The country lacks adequate waste management infrastructure. In addition, the lack of recycling awareness among citizens and their poor behavioural attitude makes plastic pollution one of the most critical environmental challenges, he noted.

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The study is likely to open up opportunities in formulating necessary regulatory and legal frameworks, aimed at promoting a circular economy for plastics. The study will focus on eliminating the use of plastics wherever possible, by promoting available sustainable alternative materials.

The new study is considered part of numerous efforts by the Nigerian government to tackle plastic waste challenge.