The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has called on the Nigerian government to take urgent action against plastic pollution to save the country from the threat to ocean health, the health of marine species, food safety and quality, human health, coastal tourism and to reduce its contribution to climate change.
ANEEJ Programme Manager, Innocent Edemhanria made this call in Ottawa, Canada, following the conclusion of the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4), which took place from 23 to 29 April 2024 at the Shaw Center.
According to Edemhanria, “It is a good time to urge the Nigerian government to take a leadership role and support the implementation of a strong Global Plastics Treaty that reduces plastic pollution and protects the health of communities and the environment across the country and around the world. Even though the final treaty will be adopted in Busan, South Korea, later in the year, preliminary actions towards the development of government policy direction and the national Action Plan should be initiated.
“The National Assembly members should take a cue from their US counterparts where Assembly members Bauer Kahan, Senator Allen, and Senator Blakespear, on February 8, 2024, announced Assembly Bill 2236 and Senate Bill 1053, identical legislation to combatting California’s persistent plastic bag pollution problem,” Edemhanria added.
“At ANEEJ, we believe that to truly live up to its responsibility and protect the health of its citizens, the Nigerian government should make concrete commitments and take action to reduce the scourge of plastic pollution that is putting our people in danger,” Edemhanria concluded.
It could be recalled that in November 2022, about 175 nations, including Nigeria met at the Punta del Este Convention and Exhibition Centre in Punta del Este, Uruguay and agreed to develop a plastic pollution treaty by the end of 2024. With a few months left before the plastics treaty will be adopted in Busan – South Korea, Nigeria could take action to eradicate plastic pollution in the country.
