By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
  • Home
  • International
    InternationalShow More
    Israel-Iran War: South Africa Wants United Nations To Step In
    18 hours ago
    G7 finance leaders seek non-tariff consensus in Canada, may face US pushback
    Ahead G7 Summit, Finance Ministers Seek Non-tariff Consensus In Canada, May Face US Pushback
    1 month ago
    Over 28,000 Women And Girls Killed In Gaza Since October 2023
    1 month ago
    Global Aid Cut
    New Report Reveals How Global Aid Cuts Affecting Women’s Organisations Aiding Women In Crises
    1 month ago
    UNICEF Raises Alarm Over 14m Children Worldwide At Risk Of Malnutrition
    2 months ago
  • Africa
    Africa
    Show More
    Top News
    Civil Society Organizations Share Experiences In Ending Gender-based Violence In Africa
    2 years ago
    Osinbajo Sees Digitalization As Africa’s Best Opportunity To Leap-frog
    2 years ago
    75th Anniversary: University Of Ghana Alumni In UK Celebrate With Fundraising Gala
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Ooni’s Wife, Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi Takes Ile Ife Royalty To ADWIN Launch In Cote d’Ivoire
    2 weeks ago
    Independent UN Body Finds Systemic Racism Against Africans And People Of African Descent
    2 weeks ago
    Public Exit: Why South Africa Businesses Are Moving To Private Cloud
    3 weeks ago
    Cameroon Tops List Of World’s Most Neglected Displacement Crises
    3 weeks ago
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
    Politics
    Show More
    Top News
    Political Thugs Change Tactics, Focus On Snatching BVAS Machines
    2 years ago
    Lagos SWAN Celebrates Senator Abiru @59
    2 years ago
    Nigeria: Presidential Election Tribunal Returns Tinubu As President, Strikes Out Atiku, Obi’s Case
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Lagos Lawmaker Praises Tinubu For Helping Nigeria Breathe Again
    2 weeks ago
    LG Election: Stakeholders Appeal To APC Not To Allow Chairmen Run For 3rd term
    2 months ago
    More APC Chairmanship Aspirants Reject Indirect Primary For Local Govt Elections In Lagos State
    2 months ago
    Youth Party Sets May 18 for Lagos LG Primary Elections, Slashes Fees For Women and PWDs
    2 months ago
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
    News
    Show More
    Top News
    Ondo Governor, Akeredolu Begins Construction Of First Flyover In Akure
    2 years ago
    Celebration Of Life: Reverend Adewumi Jegede Of Later House Of God Assembly Buried Amid Pomp
    1 year ago
    Pa Abdulfatah Amoo Ayanwale
    Pa Ayanwale Dies At 76, Fidau Prayers Holds 8 August
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    D2D Satellite Comms: Nigeria’s Space Research Agency Signs MoU With Chinese Firm, Galaxy Space
    5 days ago
    Substance Use Prevention In Focus As NDLEA, UNODC Unveil 2025 World Drug Day Activities
    5 days ago
    Benue: Stop the Killings, CAPPA Demands Immediate Action
    1 week ago
    Court Orders Flouted Again as Armed Men Escort Attempted Takeover Of Lekki Property
    1 week ago
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
    Entertainment
    Show More
    Top News
    Grammy Awards Hold In February 2024
    2 years ago
    Slum King
    SLUM KING Ep4 Preview: Is Imole Dead? Three Interesting Talk Points from the Last Episode
    2 years ago
    Nigerian Idol: Double Elimination, Divas & Divos Reign Supreme!
    1 year ago
    Latest News
    The Drama Returns As BBNaija ‘No Loose Guard’ Reunion Premieres June 23
    17 hours ago
    You Can’t Fake it — James Omekwe On MultiChoice’s Impact On African Filmmaking
    2 weeks ago
    Jkenova and Ellacentric Exit Nigerian Idol Season 10 In Emotional Farewell
    2 weeks ago
    MultiChoice Africa x African Storytelling: How Local Content Shapes Local Culture
    3 weeks ago
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
    Lifestyle
    Show More
    Top News
    10 World’s Best Relocation Destinations
    3 years ago
    Top First Class Obas To Grace Aremo Ogunbiyi’s Installation As Baba Ijo Of UAMC Surulere
    1 year ago
    Nigeria Benin Bronzes: Buhari Declaration ‘Blindsides’ Museum Officials
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Noble Call to Service: Inside the Induction of 104 New Knights of St. Mulumba
    7 days ago
    Joining The Knighthood Brings You Closer To God -Sir Eva Njemanze
    7 days ago
    Africa Tech Festival Unveils Strategic Themes For 2025 Event,
    2 weeks ago
    Lagos SWAN Joins UN To Celebrate World Nutrition Month At Unilag Confab
    4 weeks ago
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
    BusinessShow More
    NNPCL Board Accused Of Planning Lavish Party In Rwanda Amidst N210tn Financial Scandal
    3 days ago
    Can the African Energy Bank Transform the Continent’s Refining and Downstream Future?
    2 weeks ago
    Lagos Will Continue To Lead Initiatives That Accelerate Economic Diversification – Sanwo-Olu
    1 month ago
    Afreximbank
    Afreximbank Reports Strong Performance For Q1 2025 In Line With expectations
    1 month ago
    Pan-African Payment & Settlement System
    Nigeria Unlocks Intra-African Trade With New Pan-African Payment & Settlement System Policy Boost
    1 month ago
  • Health
    Health
    Show More
    Top News
    Lagos Health Commissioner Visits LASUTH To Inspect OSSAP-SDGs Project
    2 years ago
    One In Six People Affected By Infertility Globally
    2 years ago
    Mental Health Disorder
    Half Of World’s Population Will Experience A Mental Health Disorder – Study
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Online Education Can Enhance Clinical Guideline Use By Over 50% 
    1 week ago
    The Hidden Lifeline – Blood Security And Africa’s Health Agenda By Dr Allan Pamba
    1 week ago
    Apepa or Arterial Blockage? The Urgency of Self-Care After 45 By Babafemi Ojudu
    3 weeks ago
    Roche Launches Diagnostics Operations In Nigeria,
    3 weeks ago
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Reading: Tackling Plastic Pollution In Nigeria: Challenges, Dangers, And Solutions By Olamide Francis
Share
Notification Show More
Aa
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
Aa
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
  • Politics
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Health
  • More
Search
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
  • Health
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Advertise
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Independent News Express > Blog > Opinion > Tackling Plastic Pollution In Nigeria: Challenges, Dangers, And Solutions By Olamide Francis
Opinion

Tackling Plastic Pollution In Nigeria: Challenges, Dangers, And Solutions By Olamide Francis

Last updated: 2024/03/03 at 2:22 PM
1 year ago
Share
Plastic Pollution In Nigeria
SHARE

Plastic pollution has become an escalating crisis worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception. Nigeria is estimated to generate about 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually and plastic accounts for 15% of the total waste generated in Lagos State.

The situation is likely to worsen as Nigeria’s population grows, from more than as estimated 220 million people now to an expected 401 million by the end of 2050, according to the World Population Review. The production of plastic is not slowing down. For instance, Dangote Refinery, the largest petrochemical refinery in Africa, will not just refine fuel but also produce plastic products.

Nigeria, like many developing nations, grapples with the pervasive presence of plastic waste in its cities, waterways, and rural areas. From plastic bags and bottles to packaging materials, discarded plastics choke drainage systems, litter streets, and contaminate natural habitats. Lagos, Nigeria’s sprawling metropolis, stands as a stark example, where plastic pollution is a ubiquitous sight, clogging water bodies and contributing to flooding during the rainy season.

The environmental and health hazards of plastic pollution in Nigeria are manifold. Plastic waste contaminates soil and water sources, posing risks to agricultural productivity and human health. In rural areas, plastic pollution disrupts farming activities, as plastic debris impedes cultivation and contaminates farmland. Moreover, plastic waste in water bodies threatens aquatic life, as marine animals ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, leading to injury and death. These are just a few of the dangers of plastics.

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Furthermore, the burning of plastic waste exacerbates air pollution, releasing toxic fumes and contributing to respiratory illnesses among communities living near dumpsites. In urban areas, informal waste disposal practices, such as burning plastic waste or dumping it in open spaces, not only pollute the environment but also perpetuate social inequalities, as marginalized communities bear the brunt of environmental degradation and health risks associated with plastic pollution.

The debate regarding where the primary responsibility lies for addressing plastic pollution is an ongoing one. Some argue that the government should bear the responsibility of creating and enforcing policies and regulations. Conversely, others argue that residents should take proactive roles as environmental citizens. However, what about the manufacturers? They frequently evade accountability when the plastic they produce becomes waste in the environment. Who will go after them?

First, addressing plastic pollution in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach that involves government intervention, public awareness campaigns, and innovative waste management strategies. Part of this is the formation of a united front among policymakers, producers, manufacturers, multinational companies, and other stakeholders. This collaborative effort should begin with assigning a monetary value to plastic at each stage of its life cycle, encompassing sorting, collection, and recycling. It is imperative not to overlook disposal practices, monitoring, enforcement, and cost management. Producers, manufacturers, and multinational companies should take proactive measures to reduce plastic waste as part of their production processes. Regulators must hold them accountable for eliminating plastic waste from the environment. This concept has already been successfully implemented in some developed countries, such as Germany, where it has led to notable improvements in the reuse and recycling economy.

In addition, effective legislation banning single-use plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives is crucial in curbing plastic pollution. The recent move by the Lagos state government banning foam take-away containers is a step in the right direction, but as a country, Nigeria can draw inspiration from countries like Rwanda, which implemented a nationwide ban on plastic bags, leading to a significant reduction in plastic waste. However, enacting laws alone is insufficient; strict enforcement mechanisms must be put in place to ensure compliance and deter illicit plastic production and disposal practices.

Furthermore, raising awareness about the environmental consequences of plastic pollution is vital in fostering behavioural change among the populace. Public education campaigns targeting schools, communities, and businesses can promote responsible waste disposal practices, encourage recycling, and advocate for the use of eco-friendly alternatives to plastics. Engaging youth and grassroots organizations in environmental conservation initiatives can mobilize communities to take collective action against plastic pollution.

Also, investment in robust waste management infrastructure is essential for effectively managing plastic waste in Nigeria. Establishing recycling facilities, composting plants, and waste-to-energy projects can provide sustainable solutions for plastic waste management while generating employment opportunities and promoting economic growth. We have a lot of recycling companies in Nigeria doing this but the scale is still very small to cater to what we generate. Government must consider a robust investment in this sector. Additionally, incentivizing waste segregation at source and promoting the informal sector’s involvement in waste collection and recycling can enhance the efficiency of waste management systems.

Innovation and Technology is a big deal too. Harnessing innovation and technology can revolutionize Nigeria’s approach to plastic pollution management. Initiatives such as plastic-to-fuel conversion technologies, biodegradable packaging materials, and community-based recycling schemes hold promise in mitigating plastic waste and promoting a circular economy. Collaboration with research institutions, private sector partners, and international organizations can facilitate the adoption of innovative solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique socio-economic context.

Finally, plastic pollution poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s environment, economy, and public health. However, concerted efforts at the governmental, societal, and individual levels can mitigate the dangers of plastic pollution and pave the way for a cleaner, healthier future. By implementing legislative measures, raising public awareness, investing in waste management infrastructure, and fostering innovation, Nigeria can overcome the challenges posed by plastic pollution and emerge as a beacon of environmental stewardship in the global fight against plastic waste.

Olamide is a communications professional currently based in London, United Kingdom. He can be reached across social media platforms @olamidefrancis and via [email protected]

You Might Also Like

Flag Football: Shattering Limits and Empowering Nigerian Athletes (Part 3) By Phemmy Adetula

Democracy, Conviction, And The True Meaning Of Honor By Babafemi Ojudu

The Hidden Lifeline – Blood Security And Africa’s Health Agenda By Dr Allan Pamba

A Message To My Dear Esan People On June 12 Democracy Day By Idumonza Isidahomhen

Breaking Boundaries: Flag Football’s Impact on Nigerian Sports (Part 2) By Phemmy Adetula

TAGGED: Plastic Pollution In Nigeria
INadminNG March 3, 2024 March 3, 2024
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Telegram Email Print
Previous Article UN Environment Assembly Advances Collaborative Action Against Climate Change, Nature Loss And Pollution
Next Article Colombia Unveils COP16 Logo, Sends Message Of ‘Peace With Nature’
about us

Independent News Express (iNews Express), a publication of 4Ds Nigeria Limited, is birthed out of the desires of the founding fathers to report News as it is.

We value Professionalism, Excellence, Service, Creativity and Integrity.

The Company

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

Quick Links

  • Advertise with us
  • Newsletters
  • Deal

Categories

Find Us on Socials

© Independent News Express. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?