The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has revealed that Nigeria’s annual 2.5 million metric tonnes of plastic waste could be transformed into a source of wealth and employment through sustainable management.
Speaking at the pre-29th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES29) webinar titled ‘Waste-to-Wealth: The Plastics Value Chain,’ Mrs. Ozofu Ogiemudia, Chair of the Technical Sub-Committee, highlighted the potential of plastics to create various consumer-friendly products, including food packaging, disposable bottles, and more, thanks to their versatility, affordability, and convenience.
Ogiemudia emphasized Nigeria’s significant plastic consumption in Africa, noting that the country imported an estimated 20 million tonnes of primary plastics and plastic products between 1996 and 2017, with projections indicating a surge to 40 million tonnes by 2030.
Simultaneously, Nigeria generates an annual 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste, some of which pollute the seas.
Furthermore, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, represented by Prof. Aliyu Jauro, Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), stressed that recycling stands as the key solution to addressing plastic waste challenges in Nigeria.
He pointed out that issues like the lack of identifiable collection points and associated costs are hindrances preventing Nigeria from fully capitalizing on the potential of the plastics value chain.
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