Aminat Yahaya —
The National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Nathaniel Atebije, has in a statement commemorating the World Environment Day 2023, appealed to the public to act cautiously in the use of plastics to minimise its negative impacts on the environment.
He called on the Nigerian government to develop a policy for the recovery and management of plastic waste.
“There is no doubt that plastic waste generation rates are rising in Nigeria, he said.
“Though, it provides multiple benefits to modern-day living, its polluting effects on the natural environment including the ocean and other water bodies in the country are enormous. It is, therefore, paramount to manage it. However, any sustainable attempt to manage plastic waste must be guided by a well-articulated policy.
“Towards this end, the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners urges the government to develop a policy for the recovery and management of plastic wastes”, he stated.
According to him, the objective of the policy is that there should be zero-waste disposal of plastic waste.
“Its fulcra shall include the institution of strategies for waste separation; legislation against illegal dumping of plastic materials; establishment of drop-off centres/boxes in all major cities; institution of a return system involving the exchange of plastic for money; provision of incentives including granting tax relief to any company who purposefully produces biodegradable packaging materials instead of plastic products and compelling commercial outfits to adopt biodegradable packaging materials.
The president suggested the involvement of the informal sector partnerships was paramount to ensure seamless implementation of the policy.
“This sector’s capacity must, therefore, be strengthened to increase plastic recycling. Community penetrative campaigns to educate and motivate citizens to change their behaviour towards plastic waste handling must be embarked upon, he continued.
“The use of garbage bins/dustbins at public places for disposal of plastic should be emphasised. Provision should be made for adequate collection and disposal systems. Throwing off plastic garbage in open spaces must be prohibited. Reusable shopping bags among consumers and corporate commercial outfits must be promoted.”
“The need to transit to a circular economy appears plausible for plastic waste management. This strategy hinges on recycling and reuse, which is considered most appropriate for the non-biodegradable nature of plastic.
“In all of these, the willingness and ability to enforce this policy is imperative to achieving the goals of these focused interventions”, he further stated.
