Nigeria is the world’s 2nd biggest plastic polluter: expert insights into the crisis

Nigeria is the world’s 2nd biggest plastic polluter: expert insights into the crisis

By Wale Fatade, The Conversation Plastic pollution is a major problem in Nigeria. Recent research identified the country as a plastic pollution hotspot, second to India. India emits 9.3 million tonnes of plastic into the environment each year – one fifth of the global total. Nigeria emits 3.5 million tonnes annually. Just how big is the issue and what can be done about it? The Conversation Africa […]

September 12, 2024 29

Environment

Microplastics in Nigeria’s Osun River: new study flags alarmingly high levels

The Osun River in Nigeria has high levels of microplastics in its water, sediment and fish. Gideon Idowu, Author provided Gideon Idowu, Federal University of Technology, Akure The Osun River is one of the major rivers in southern Nigeria. It flows from its source in Ekiti State, through several states, before emptying into Lagos state’s Lekki Lagoon. It is an important source of water for the communities that live around […]

April 8, 2024 25

Africa

Nigeria’s plastic ban: why it’s good and how it can work

By Temitope O. Sogbanmu, University of Lagos Two weeks into January 2024, Nigerian authorities took steps to curb environmental degradation caused by plastic pollution in the country. The Federal Ministry of Environment and the Lagos State government both announced bans on single-use plastics. The Federal Ministry of Environment was the first to issue a directive. It banned single-use plastics in its own departments and agencies. The Lagos State government […]

January 31, 2024 39

Africa

Lagos styrofoam, plastics ban brings applause and concern

From trash-strewn pavements to street vendors packing meals in polystyrene containers, plastic waste is a constant menace in the urban landscape of Lagos, Nigeria's economic capital and the continent's most populous city. That image could soon change if the local Lagos State government manages to implement its recent ambitious ban on the use of polystyrene and single-use plastics. Sunday's announcement of the ban on styrofoam boxes and single-use plastics, "with […]

January 25, 2024 26

Africa

Lagos bans single-use plastics

Nigeria's Lagos state will start implementing a ban on Styrofoam and other single-use plastics. The State's environment commissioner told the BBC that non-biodegradable plastics were a major pollution problem, and were clogging drains. State officials say they'll use a dormant 2009 law to fine or jail culprits. Lagos is one of Africa's most populous cities. International experts estimate Nigeria generates 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually.

January 22, 2024 25