The Federal Ministry of Environment is making plans to phase out the use of lightweight non-biodegradable plastics like pure water sachets in Nigeria.
A top official of the ministry who wished to remain anonymous, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja that the ministry had been working with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) since December 2013 to raise awareness of the initiative, and a draft of the action plan had already been instituted.
"The next step is to source funds from UNIDO to implement the plan,” he said. “Once we have funds, we will continue the process of phasing out heavy non-biodegradable plastics."
The official admitted that it was impossible to completely ban the use of non-biodegradable plastics like plastic chairs because of its importance to society, but he said the ministry will start by phasing out the use of light weight plastics like pure water sachets and polythene bags, which have been banned in many countries because of the damage they cause the environment.
"Countries like China and South Africa have placed an outright ban on light weight plastic bags, while some other countries have placed tax levies on the manufacturers, retailers and buyers of light weight bags.”
The official added that Nigerian manufacturers will soon be required to introduce an ‘addictive’ to their products that would reduce the non-biodegradable component.
The phasing out process will be gradual and environmentally friendly alternatives will be used instead.
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