. As stakeholders proffer solution
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), have intensified efforts to reduce plastic pollution in Nigeria.
This was disclosed at a symposium hosted by FRIN in conjunction with NESREA and Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN), Oyo chapter, on Monday in Ibadan, to commemorate 2023 World Environment Day.
World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5, to create awareness and encourage efforts to protect and preserve the environment.
The 2023 World Environment Day’s theme was ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.
FRIN Director-General, Zacharia Buba-Yaduma, said plastic pollution had become a major environmental problem requiring immediate attention and action.
Mr Buba-Yaduma noted that plastic pollution had become a global issue affecting the environment, human health, and the economy. He called on governments, businesses and individuals to work together to find sustainable solutions for protecting the planet and its inhabitants.
“Every year, about eight million metric tons of plastic waste ends up in our oceans, causing harm to marine life and ecosystem. This pollution also affects human health as microplastics have been found in food, water and even the air we breathe,” he stated.
He added, “One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic pollution is to reduce dependence on single-use plastic. Government can ban or restrict the use of single-use plastics such as straws, bags and utensils. Businesses and individuals can also take action by using sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable plastics or reusable containers and packaging.”
One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic pollution is to reduce dependence on single-use plastic. Government can ban or restrict the use of single-use plastics such as straws, bags and utensils.
Finding solutions
Meanwhile, stakeholders at the 2023 World Environment Day in Abuja on Monday, warned against plastic pollution, which posed grave risks to human health and contributed to climate change.
They also advocated significant reduction in plastic pollution with consolidating efforts that would ultimately lead to its elimination in terrestrial and aquatic environments.
The theme for the celebration is “Solutions to Plastic Pollution” under the United Nations global campaign tagged: #BeatPlasticPollution.
#BeatPlasticPollution is aimed at significantly reducing and ultimately eliminating plastic pollution, both in terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Abuja, Adesola Olusade, warned against plastic pollution within the FCT and environs.
Ms Olusade, represented by Udoh Atang, Director, Office of the Permanent Secretary, said that burning plastic waste released toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, reducing quality of life and affecting air quality.
She added that burning plastic poses grave risks to human health and contributes to climate change.
“Plastic pollution alters habitats, disrupts ecosystems and severely harms biodiversity.
“According to the United Nations, about 400 metric tonnes of plastic waste are generated every year and it is estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic waste in oceans than fish.
“This alarming projection brings to sharp relief the need to develop sustainable solutions to plastic waste management either by minimisation or re-use by developing an economy around plastic waste,” he said.
Ms Olusade stated that in Nigeria, many cities were faced with the problem of plastic littering and plastic waste filling up drain systems and clogging waterways leading to flooding and associated health risks.
“In the FCT, we have continually encouraged waste segregation at source and we have ongoing pilot projects in Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Wuse 2 and other parts of the Federal Capital City.
“The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) Blue Bin Programme is designed to ensure proper waste disposal and waste sorting at source.
“This campaign encourages each and every one of us to take action in reducing the use of plastics and ensuring proper disposal,” she said.
She said the unique properties of plastics are durability, resistance to attack by chemicals like petrol, diesel, which are not amenable to degradation, making them ideal for various applications in daily life.
“The plastic epidemic is more worrisome when we consider that 50 per cent of plastic bottles and bags are single-use products, that is, they are used just once and thrown away.
“By taking steps towards reducing plastic production, usage and ensuring proper disposal of used plastics we can collectively make a big impact in protecting our planet and its natural resources and secure the environment for future generations,” Ms Olusade assured.
Earlier in an opening remark, Director AEPB, Mr Osi Braimah, said plastic pollution is a problem to the world.
“The issue we are having is: how do we dispose of plastics? People are working on plastics that can biodegrade in the environment.”
The Chairman AEPB Board of Management, Dr Yahaya Bawuro, also warned against the dangers of plastic pollution, adding that it is a global challenge.
Mr Bawuro expressed satisfaction with the theme of the celebration, saying it would go a long way to address plastic pollution.
The Ambassador to Cote D’Ivoire, Kalilou Traore, represented by Agni Fabrice, First Secretary of Cote D’Ivoire, said plastic polluted the ecosystem.
He said that Cote D’Ivoire had carried out several fights in the area of plastic pollution, adding: “This year’s theme is indeed a theme that concerns us all.”
He said the country had banned the use of plastic bags since 2014 supporting the switch to reusable packaging.
“More people should be involved in the fight against plastic pollution, especially governments, companies and civil societies should join forces,” Mr Traore said.
Three Secondary Schools in Abuja were given environmental award winners to carry on with environmental matters in the Federal Capital Territory.
They are Army Day Secondary School Maitama, Government Secondary Science School Tungan Maje, and the Government Secondary School Lugbe. (NAN)
