The Federal Government is gearing up to implement a ban on single-use plastic products (SUPs) and styrofoam in ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, during a workshop and capacity-building session for chemicals and waste handlers held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Commending the Ogun State government for its initiative, Minister Salako outlined measures being taken to promote a circular economy.
These measures include strengthening relevant policies and institutional frameworks, enhancing the capacity of manufacturers and producers to adopt cleaner production principles, and enforcing national policies on chemical management.
The minister emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating single-use plastics and urged government departments and offices to comply with the forthcoming directive.
The workshop, organized by the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, aimed to inform stakeholders about the importance of adopting best practices in chemicals handling and waste management to safeguard public health and the environment.
Attendees included the state environment minister, Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, members of the State Executive Council, and representatives from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, among other critical stakeholders.
Stakeholders highlighted the adverse impacts of unchecked waste and chemical handling, including biodiversity loss, underground water pollution, and the rise of non-communicable diseases.
They advocated for the adoption of circular solutions in chemical and waste management to ensure more efficient production processes.