Pollution: Reps’ Inter-Ministerial Committee on plastics ban to address health, environmental challenges  

*Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, discloses Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council’s recent decision is in line with the administration’s efforts at tackling various health and environmental challenges, especially those caused by Single-Use Plastic products in the country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government has said its recent inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on the ban of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) is in accordance with the country’s commitment to global environmental standards.

ConsumerConnect reports there have been concerns over the increasing use of Single-Use Plastics, and related negative impact on human wellbeing, and the environment over the decades.

The Nigerian Government said the move was aimed at reducing plastic pollution posing serious threats to public health, ecosystems, and marine life in Nigeria.

The Committee comprises key representatives from various government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and stakeholder organisations.

Core mandate of Inter-Ministerial Committee

The government stated the Inter-Ministerial Committee is charged with the mandate to coordinate, and oversee the implementation of policies and strategies aimed at phasing out Single-Use Plastics nationwide.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) described the decision as a significant step towards environmental sustainability and waste management reform in the West African country.

Akume restated that the ban was an initiative that aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental standards.

The SGF, Akume, represented by Mohammed Danjuma, Permanent Secretary Overseeing General Services Office, also stated: ‘‘The Federal Government arrived at this decision, following a Federal Executive Council Memorandum EC (2024), presented by the Honourable Minister of Environment, which was held on Tuesday, 25 June 2024.

“The FEC decision was in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle various health and environmental challenges, especially those caused by Single-Use Plastic products.”

He also explained that the Nigerian Government, approved the ban in the country of Polyethene Terephthalate (PET) bottles, styrofoam, plastic bags, sachet water, and straw, which has become an environmental sanitation challenge.

Plastics cause marine pollution, land degradation, by SGF

Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, in the Office of the SGF, in a statement also noted Senator Akume averred: “The inappropriate disposal of plastic materials is a major cause of marine pollution as well as land degradation.

“Plastic wastes take a longer time to decompose both on land and water; therefore, they pose a serious threat to wildlife and public health due to the toxic chemicals,” said he.

The statement further noted: “The ban on single-use plastics is an initiative that underscores Nigeria’s leadership in environmental stewardship and commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

On Lagos State experience, regulatory efforts

It is noted the Lagos State Government (LASG) July 2025, commenced the enforcement of the ban on Single-Use Plastics after it the authorities had issued a six-month notice to all stakeholders in the cosmopolitan state.

The Lagos Government warned that any company, organisation, individual that failed to adhere to the ban on Single-Use Plastics would be prosecuted and sealed off.

Tokunbo Wahab, Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, disclosed the development at a press conference, in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital.

The ban, according to LASG, is expected to move the state towards realisation of reduction of the quantum of waste generated in the state and at different landfill sites.

Wahab stated: “There will be no going back from July 1, 2025, on the enforcement of the ban of single-use plastics (less than 40 microns) in Lagos State.

“When we took the bold decision to ban styrofoam food containers and single-use plastics of less than 40 microns, the decision was because of the safety and well-being of our residents which we will not compromise.”

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