Agency begins implementation of single-use plastics ban

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has begun implementing the ban on single-use plastics across its ministries, departments, and agencies nationwide.

The agency’s Director General, Dr. Innocent Barikor, who flagged off the exercise in Abuja, said it was part of the government’s effort to address the menace of plastic pollution by promoting policies on public health, environmental sustainability, and ecosystem protection.

Barikor also explained that the European Union had supported its staff in training, including janitors and security officers, as the ban became necessary to minimise public health, sanitation, and environmental hazards to humans and animals.

He stated that plastic pollution is increasing due to the use of single-use plastics (SUPs) such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles, Styrofoam packaging, plastic bags, sachet water, and straws, emphasising that the campaign must begin with NESREA itself.

“As the promoters of sustainable consumption and production, let us make conscious efforts to comply with the ban,” Barikor added.

Discussing the implementation strategy, the European Union Facilitator, Mrs. Ibukun Faluyi, listed the provision of water dispensers, bottles, and branded sample shopping bags for staff as some of the first steps MDAs could take towards the policy.