FG Assures Nigerians that Measures are in Place to Address Plastic Pollution

By: Michael Mike

The federal government has assured Nigerians that they need not be afraid of plastic pollution as needed measures are put in place towards addressing the menace of plastic waste in the country.

The National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) had posited that by 2030, plastic waste is expected to double to 165 million tonnes in African countries. Most of these will be in Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Morrocco and Tunisia, calling for concerted and whole value chain approaches to addressing and curbing plastic pollution in Africa.

Also, reports have it that the world’s oceans contain an estimated 100 million metric tonnes of plastic with about 90% of this quantity originating from land-based sources.

Scientific findings also stated that the world’s marine life is endangered through the exposure of nanoparticles of ingested plastics which penetrate through the blood-brain barrier of seabirds, this is seen as quite alarming as every human being on the face of the earth has a connection with plastics in one way or the other.

Given the assurance of Nigerians safety from expected plastic pollution on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako at the stakeholders meeting on the Draft National Guidelines for the Implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for (Plastic) Packaging, said because of the threats the federal government “is therefore putting in place measures towards addressing the menace of plastic waste from our environment, by way of developing a Sector-Specific National Guidelines for the implementation of the up-coming Plastic Waste Control Regulations under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme.”

The Minister, who was represented by a Director in the ministry, Dr. Ahmadu Jibrin,
said the federal government through the National Environmental Standards and Regulations (NESREA), responding to its global commitment to the Basel Convention.

He noted that the primary purpose of this draft National Guidelines when in force, is to provide far-reaching guidelines that will serve as a road map to all stakeholders in the Plastic Packaging value chain for the effective implementation of the EPR Programme as well as clearly defining the various obligations of all sector stakeholders in Nigeria.

He disclosed that: “This Document is also poised to amongst others, aid the establishment of a Plastic Packaging Registry in the country which is very germane, align with circular economy principles and sustainability efforts ultimately galvanizing towards the overall elimination of plastic pollution and the reduction of the adverse impacts of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) from our environment. It is thus expected that this Draft Document has been reviewed by the stakeholders in the 36 States and FCT by key stakeholders, and the submitted comments had been incorporated accordingly.”

He said: “We are here today to finalize the review comments towards birthing a robust instrument that will stand the test of time in the management of the Plastic Packaging, plastic Waste and plastic pollution across their life cycle.”

In his remarks, the Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor said: “Today, we stand at a critical juncture in our collective efforts to address the pressing challenges posed by plastic waste in our environment. The guidelines we are discussing are not just a regulatory framework; they represent a commitment to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and the health of our communities.”

He added that: “As we are all aware, the proliferation of plastic packaging ((Bottles (PET, PP or HDPE/PS), Flexible mono-layer materials, Rigid mono-layer materials, multi-layer and multi-material plastics) has led to significant environmental degradation, affecting our ecosystems, wildlife, and ultimately, human health. The need for a robust and effective waste management system has never been more urgent.

“The EPR Programme is designed to shift the responsibility of waste management from local authorities and taxpayers to the producers of plastic packaging. This innovative approach encourages manufacturers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal.”

He volunteered that: “”In this draft National Guidelines, you will find detailed outlines of the key responsibilities of each stakeholder group, as well as specific targets for collection and recycling. These targets are not merely aspirational; they are essential benchmarks that will guide our progress and hold us accountable. It is crucial that we engage in open dialogue and consultation to refine these targets based on stakeholder input and current data.”

FG Assures Nigerians that Measures are in Place to Address Plastic Pollution

Nigeria Promises to Strengthen Cultural Ties with Other West African Countries

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has promised to strengthen cultural ties with other West African countries in pursuant of its policy of promoting cultural diplomacy.

The promise was made on Tuesday in Abuja
by the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa during United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) sponsored event “Sharing Experiences and Good Practices in Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in West Africa”

At the event which drew participants from other West African countries, Musawa said:
“Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, in our pursuit of promoting cultural diplomacy, I stand here today to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to strengthening cultural ties with your respective countries.”

Musawa who was represented by one of her Advisors, Roshan Nanayakkara said: “We recognize the importance of collaboration and partnership in harnessing the full potential of our cultural assets and creative talents. This forum serves as a platform for us to explore new avenues of cooperation, exchange best practices, and forge lasting partnerships that will benefit our nations in the long run.

“It is my firm belief that by working together, pooling our resources, and sharing our expertise, we can achieve remarkable outcomes that will benefit not only our nations but the world at large.”

Musawa added that: “I wish to thank UNESCO, a key partner and supporter of Nigeria in all of our cultural endeavors, for convening this extremely important event. I use this opportunity to invite each and every one of you to join us on this transformative journey towards the emergence of Africa’s cultural renaissance, leading the charge from West Africa.

“Let us seize this moment to strengthen our cultural bonds, ignite our creative energies, and pave the way for a future filled with hope, inspiration and prosperity. Together, we can build a world where art, culture and creativity serve as catalysts for positive change and unity.”

In his remarks, Director UNESCO Dakar regional Office, Mr. Dimitri Sanga the meeting was convened to share experiences and good practices about living heritage in the West Africa subregion.

Sanga, who was represented by the UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Mr Abdourahamane Diallo, said: “Indeed, this is one of UNESCO’s role: to serve as a platform for exchange, dialogue, capacity-building and networking for its Member States.”

He noted that: “This workshop is also a valuable opportunity to strengthen South-South collaboration in this field, and to ensure better protection of cultural heritage in all its forms, throughout the African continent. In addition, it is important to emphasize that the promotion of the ICH and associated creativity can help generate some opportunities for the communities and individuals, contribute to sustainable development and build peace.

“This is one more step towards achieving the sustainable development goals and the 2063 Agenda: “the Africawe want”.

He said: “This meeting is in line with UNESCO’s Phare Priority Africa program and the declaration of UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – MONDIACULT 2022. This meeting is therefore a prelude to MONDIACULT 2025 to make the voice of African countries heard, particularly the one of West Africa countries.”

He noted that: “As you already know, MONDIACULT is a major event during which the 194 member states of UNESCO work together to define the global agenda for culture. The next edition will be held in Barcelona during the second semester of 2025, by which time I hope that all the States Parties will have ratified the key Culture UNESCO conventions and particularly the 2003 Convention concerning the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage that brings us together today.”

Nigeria Promises to Strengthen Cultural Ties with Other West African Countries

FG Assure on Redoubling Efforts to Tackle Human Trafficking in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has promised to
redouble its efforts, strategies, and policy implementation to tackle all forms of human trafficking in the country.

The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at the European Union (EU) Member States’ Immigration Liaison Officers (ILOs) meeting, held at the premises of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

She said the Federal Government of Nigeria through NAPTIP, shall continue to double its efforts, strategies, and policy implementation in line with the priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration to tackle all forms of human trafficking in the Country.

The meeting was presided over by the EU Ambassador-Designate, Gautier Mignot, with the Liaison Officers of all Member States’ of the EU in attendance.

The main purpose of the meeting was to strengthen the existing good cooperation with NAPTIP and give the agency the opportunity to exchange ideas directly with the EU Member States on issues of human trafficking as well as highlight NAPTIP priorities for the future.

Addressing the participants, the Director General, who stated that her administration shall build on the existing policies and counter-trafficking programme of her predecessors, told the EU Member States’ that she will deepen actions and do more in line with the National Action Policy on Human Trafficking in Nigeria, to smoke out human traffickers out of the country.

The NAPTIP boss said: “We will do more in line with the National Action Plan (NAP) in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria and tying it to the priorities of the present administration and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. More attention would be paid to the following areas:

“Developing a more efficient and cooperative system for the identification and return of trafficking victims in the EU countries; Improved relations with partners;
“Construction of six (6) Victims Support Centers (shelters with skills acquisition facilities) one in each of the 6 geopolitical Zones of the country for returned and rescued victims of trafficking to cater for their maximum rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration into society.

“Renovation and supply of equipment to existing shelters; Conducting joint cross-border operations targeting trafficking routes; Expansion of corporations with neighboring countries; Capacity Building of personnel especially Investigators and Intelligence officers; Counsellor and care Givers; and Prosecutors;

“Improve the technology capacity for tracking and analyzing trafficking data and forensics. Improve NAPTIP’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges such as cyber-trafficking and the use of digital platforms for recruitment and exploitation.

“Developing a common front to prevent, fight and suppress trafficking in persons especially women and children through impactful and evidence-based awareness campaigns; Promoting friendly co-operation amongst parties with a view to attaining streamlined Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA), end-to-end investigation, prosecution of traffickers and asset recovery;

“Improved research activities focused on combating human trafficking; Evacuation of Nigerian Victims of trafficking trapped in different countries that are willing to return home”

She however noted that all these and many more can only be achieved through collaborative efforts and partnerships between the agency and its stakeholders and partners.

She said: “I am trusting that members of the European Union especially the ILOs gathered here would support me to get the job done. My doors would be wide open to you at all times as we need each other to get the job done.”

The Director General acknowledged the tremendous support that Nigeria through NAPTIP received from the European Union as a body and also the various Member States in the course of the counter-trafficking efforts adding that the projects have impacted positively in the realization of the mandates of the Agency, especially in rescue and support to victims of trafficking; capacity development of officers; various prevention activities and partnership with Civil Society organizations and partnership with neighboring countries within the West African sub-region.

In his remarks, the EU Ambassador-Designate, Gautier Mignot, commended the Director General for the modest achievements of the agency, adding that the fight against human trafficking is a global priority that deserves the support and cooperation of all stakeholders.

The high point of the meeting was an interactive session involving all participants where more clarification on the operations and activities of NAPTIP, were sought.

The Immigration Liaison Officers are the EU Member States’ experts in migration and the first point of contact for EU Embassies in matters of trafficking in human beings and smuggling of migrants.

FG Assure on Redoubling Efforts to Tackle Human Trafficking in Nigeria