Nigeria’s love affair with plastics has reached a staggering proportion, with the country generating an estimated 2.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, according to a report by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF, 2019). Alarmingly, only about 28% of this plastic waste is properly collected and recycled, leaving the majority of these plastics to accumulate in landfills, streets, and water bodies. This improper waste disposal of waste has far-reaching consequences, choking aquatic ecosystems, marring landscapes, and leaching harmful toxins into the environment.
A study published in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin, in 2021 revealed that the Lagos Lagoon, a vital coastal ecosystem, contains an alarming concentration of plastic particles. The research found an average of 16,000 plastic particles per square kilometer in the lagoon. The presence of plastic pollution in the Lagos Lagoon has serious implications for local fishing communities. Contaminated seafood can have negative effects on human health, as the accumulation of pollutants in fish tissue can lead to toxicity. The degradation of plastic debris in the lagoon can release harmful chemicals into the water, which can then enter the food chain and affect both marine and human life.
The improper disposal of waste not only jeopardizes ecosystems but also poses significant risks to human health. A report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP,2020) highlighted the alarming level of open-air burning of waste in Nigeria, including plastics, which releases toxic pollutants into the air and contributes to respiratory illnesses and cancer.
Furthermore, plastics debris can accumulate in drains, gutters, and sewers reducing their capability to carry water and causing blockages leading to flooding. Flooding can have severe public health implications. Stagnant water provides a breeding ground for disease-carrying pest such as mosquitoes, which can spread diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever. Flooding can also lead to contamination of water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever.
Also, during heavy rainfall, these blockages can result in the overflow of waters, leading to flooding. Flooding can cause significant damage to property infrastructure and the environment, can also result in the loss of life. It was not too long ago that “The Conversation”, an independent nonprofit news source reported that flooding has claimed the lives of more than 500 people, destroyed more than 200,000 houses and left around 90,000 homes under water. It has displaced over 1.4 million people.
A Call to Action
As the Plastic waste crisis continues to escalate, Nigeria finds itself at a pivotal juncture, where urgent and decisive action is required to mitigate the environmental threats unfolding before our eyes.
Strengthening Waste Management: Investing in modern waste management infrastructure, including recycling facilities, sanitary landfills, and efficient collection system, is crucial for tackling the plastic waste crisis. The development of these facilities should be accompanied by robust policies and regulations to ensure their effective implementation and enforcement.
Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Policies: The adoption of EPR policies can hold manufacturers accountable for the disposals of their products, packaging and incentivizing them to adopt more sustainable practice and reduce the nonbiodegradable material. For example, Canada has been a leader in implementing EPR programs for various waste streams, including packaging, electronics, and hazardous waste. The Canadian Stewardship Services Alliance (CSSA) has established a nationwide framework for EPR programs, which has resulted in increased recycling rates and reduced environmental impacts. The success of EPR in Canada can be attributed to its strong regulatory framework, stakeholder engagement, and public education campaigns.
Promoting circular economy principles, embracing circular of the economy which prioritizes the reuse, repair and recycling materials can significantly reduce the generation of plastic waste and promote sustainable consumption patterns
Finally, Public awareness and campaigns; raising public awareness and campaigns about the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste is essential for driving behavioral change. Educational campaigns, community outreach, and target messaging can empower individuals to adopt eco-friendly practices to support sustainable waste management initiatives
By implementing these strategies, Nigeria can pave the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for its citizens and the natural environment upon which they depend.
