In markets, streets, rivers, and gutters across Nigeria, single-use plastics are everywhere, fluttering in the wind, clogging drainage systems, and forming toxic islands in water bodies. For decades, these disposable materials have been both a convenience and a curse. But now, a significant shift may be on the horizon.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, Nigeria generates over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. More than 88 percent of this waste ends up in landfills, waterways, and open drains. Lagos alone produces about 10,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, much of it plastic.
In major cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, the consequences of unchecked plastic use are hard to ignore. Streets are often submerged during the rainy season, not just because of natural weather patterns, but due to blocked drainage choked with discarded water sachets, polythene bags, and food wrappers. These floods damage property, displace families, and create fertile grounds for diseases like cholera and malaria.
Many Nigerians rely heavily on single-use plastics for their daily survival. From the ubiquitous pure water sachets to plastic food packaging used by street vendors and small restaurants, disposable plastics offer a cheap and convenient option for a population struggling with poverty and inadequate infrastructure. The reality is that for millions of Nigerians, convenience often trumps sustainability.
The ban is a good idea, but we can’t ignore the social realities, said Mrs Ngozi, a trader at Keffi market, Nasarawa State. Most of us can’t afford alternatives like paper bags or glass bottles. If the government wants this to work, they have to support small businesses with cheaper, eco-friendly options.
To its credit, the federal government’s policy bans the use of single-use plastics such as water sachets, plastic straws, disposable cups, cutlery, and polythene bags within all government offices. It is a move meant to set an example for the private sector and the wider public.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, described the initiative as a catalyst for broader change. We must lead by example in government, he said. But the real goal is to spark a nationwide shift towards a more sustainable and responsible consumption culture.
There are signs that such a shift is possible. In 2020, Lagos State banned the use of styrofoam food containers and single-use plastic bags in government establishments. Though enforcement has been inconsistent, some public institutions have made progress in adopting reusable alternatives. Meanwhile, Abia and Edo States have initiated awareness campaigns and clean-up projects aimed at reducing plastic waste and encouraging recycling.
On a broader scale, Rwanda’s 2008 ban on plastic bags has transformed its urban environment. Kigali, the capital, is widely recognized as one of the cleanest cities in Africa. Kenya’s 2017 ban on plastic bags is considered one of the strictest in the world, imposing hefty fines and even jail terms on violators. While initial resistance was high, the Kenyan government coupled its crackdown with public education campaigns and support for businesses to shift to sustainable packaging.
In Nigeria, however, such enforcement models are often difficult to replicate due to institutional weaknesses, limited political will, and a lack of infrastructure. Waste management systems are poorly developed, recycling plants are scarce, and public awareness remains low, particularly in rural communities.
Aminu Ibrahim Abdullahi, an environmental scientist, noted that policy without enforcement is just paperwork. The government must back this ban with education, incentives for businesses, and local alternatives that people can afford.
Environmental advocacy groups such as Greenpeace Africa and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation have emphasized that without private sector involvement, community mobilization, and sustainable funding, the federal ban will remain symbolic.
Experts suggest that Nigeria needs a holistic approach. This includes expanding the ban to cover production, importation, and distribution, providing subsidies for biodegradable packaging, and investing in recycling infrastructure. Awareness campaigns through schools, religious institutions, markets, and media will also be vital.
Plastic pollution may seem like an insurmountable challenge, but it is not without solutions. Nigeria’s ban on single-use plastics in public institutions is a welcome first step. However, only a coordinated and inclusive national effort can bring about lasting change.
This is not just an environmental issue, it is a public health crisis, an economic concern, and a developmental challenge.
