West African giant embraces the fight against plastic waste

Nigeria is late to the party but becoming a leader in tackling solid waste pollution. The country has announced a comprehensive ban on single-use plastic starting in 2025. The move aims to tackle the country's severe plastic pollution problem, which generates over 2.5 million tonnes of waste annually. The Federal Ministry of Environment has already begun leading by example, discontinuing single-use plastics in government offices as of June 25, 2024. This is a belated win though. The country has a (much neglected) national policy on plastic waste management for four years. Observers suggest that other major countries on the continent, including South Africa, should adopt similar measures to combat the growing environmental crisis.

• Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer and a significant producer of virgin plastic resin.

• Less than 12% of plastic waste is recycled in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for effective waste management solutions.

• South Africa was a pioneer with a plastic bag levy but has since lagged behind in broader anti-plastic legislation.

• A number of African countries, including Kenya and Rwanda, have successfully implemented plastic bans without significant job losses.