FG develops policy on plastic packaging value chain

The Federal Government, through its agency, has developed Sector-Specific National Guidelines for the implementation of the upcoming Plastic Waste Control Regulations under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme.

Additionally, measures have been put in place to address the menace of plastic waste in the environment. The document is also designed to aid in the establishment of a Plastic Packaging Registry in the country.

Speaking at the Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, explained that the primary purpose of the draft National Guidelines, once in force, is to provide comprehensive guidelines that will serve as a roadmap for all stakeholders.

He added that it will align with circular economy principles and sustainability efforts, ultimately aiming to eliminate plastic pollution and reduce the adverse impacts of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) on the environment.

“It is our hope that this final review will yield a robust instrument that will stand the test of time in managing plastic packaging, plastic waste, and plastic pollution across their life cycle.”

The Minister expressed that environmental concerns regarding plastic waste cannot be overemphasised, noting that the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) predicts that by 2030, plastic waste is expected to double to 165 million tonnes in African countries.

“These countries are Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. This calls for comprehensive value chain approaches to addressing and curbing plastic pollution in Africa. Reports indicate that the world’s oceans contain an estimated 100 million metric tonnes of plastic, with about 90% of this quantity originating from land-based sources.”

Earlier, Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, explained that the guidelines set clear targets for the collection, recycling, and recovery of plastic waste, ensuring progress towards a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled rather than discarded.

Barikor also called for specific guidelines to address various aspects of plastics, including household goods such as combs, hangers, pegs/clips, toothbrushes, brooms, spatulas, etc.