A member of the House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, has urged manufacturers to adopt paper packaging instead of nylon and plastic materials as lawmakers deliberate on the necessity or otherwise of banning single-use plastics in Nigeria.
Abiante made the remark during a public hearing organised at the National Assembly to examine Nigeria’s preparedness for a potential nationwide ban on single-use plastics.
According to the lawmaker, the widespread use of nylon and plastic products has created significant environmental challenges, including pollution, blocked drainage systems, and flooding in many urban areas.
He stressed that industries must begin to explore sustainable alternatives, such as paper-based packaging, to reduce the environmental burden caused by plastic waste.
The hearing focused on assessing the necessity of the proposed ban, as well as evaluating the magnitude of the environmental and economic challenges associated with single-use plastics.
Stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental groups, and manufacturers, were invited to present their views on how Nigeria can address plastic pollution while ensuring that businesses and consumers are not adversely affected.
Abiante emphasized that while environmental protection is critical, policymakers must also carefully consider the practical implications of the ban and ensure that viable alternatives are available for industries that rely heavily on plastic packaging.
The outcome of the deliberations is expected to guide future legislative and regulatory decisions on managing plastic waste and promoting sustainable packaging practices in Nigeria.
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