ECOWAS Urges Stakeholders To Tackle Plastic Pollution

The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on stakeholders in the region to tackle the incessant issues of plastic pollution in the region through coordinated regional response.

The ECOWAS Commission made the call in Abuja on Tuesday on the occasion commemorating the World Environment Day Celebration, with the theme: “Together, We Can Beat Plastic Pollution”, stressing that investment in eco-innovation and plastic alternatives was part of the efforts to address plastic pollution in the region.

The Commission lamented that plastic pollution has become a transboundary problem as the West African sub-region is said to generate nearly eight million metric tonnes (MT) of plastic waste every year, a figure that is set to rise by 52% in five years time.

More than 80 per cent of plastic waste is said to be poorly managed in West Africa, adversely affecting human health, ecosystems and blue-economy sectors such as fishing and tourism.

Tackling plastic pollution, according to Massandje Toure-Litse, Commissioner, Economic Affairs & Agriculture, ECOWAS Commission, is a test of the region’s resolve to act together, as governments, private sector actors, civil society, and citizens.

Toure-Litse, who was represented at the event in Abuja on Tuesday by Mr. Yao Bernard Koffi, Acting Director, Environment and Natural Resources, also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to a clean environment.

He said, “There is growing recognition that plastic pollution is a transboundary problem that requires a coordinated regional response.

“Tackling plastic pollution is a test of our resolve to act together — as governments, private sector actors, civil society, and citizens.

“It is fitting that in this landmark year, we reaffirm our commitment to a clean, resilient, and sustainable environment for future generations.

“The theme for this year, “Together, We Can Beat Plastic Pollution”, resonates deeply with our regional priorities. Plastic pollution is not only a global menace but a regional and national crisis.

“There is growing recognition that plastic pollution is a transboundary problem that requires a coordinated regional response. ECOWAS has therefore committed to addressing persistent challenges by adopting Regulation C/REG.17/12/23 on plastics management in 2023, requiring member states to harmonize regulations on plastic products and adopt best practices in plastic waste management.

“Let us be reminded that this challenge is not insurmountable.”

The Commissioner also stressed that it was not all gloomy as Ghana and Nigeria are witnessing innovative approaches, scaling up circular economy initiatives.

She also revealed that Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire have introduced plastic bag bans and extended producer responsibility frameworks.

He assured that the ECOWAS Commission is supporting Member States to harmonize environmental standards and promote green industrialization, saying “But we must do more collectively and urgently. The ECOWAS Vision 2050 identifies environmental sustainability as a pillar of inclusive development. Tackling plastic pollution is a test of our resolve to act together — as governments, private sector actors, civil society, and citizens.

“To this end, a draft regional plastics management plan has been developed with support from the World Bank.

“We call upon all stakeholders in the region to: Invest in eco-innovation and plastic alternatives; Support community-led waste management solutions; Strengthen enforcement of environmental regulations; and Foster youth-driven climate action, because the future belongs to them.”

She further added: “As we celebrate World Environment Day in this Jubilee Year, may our legacy be one of action over words, solutions over excuses, and unity over indifference. The ECOWAS Commission stands ready to work side-by-side with Nigeria and all partners to beat plastic pollution not tomorrow, but today.”

Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, in his remarks said “Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue but also an economic and public health crisis.”

He frowned that every minute, plastic waste is being dumped into the oceans, rivers, and drainage systems, endangering wildlife and contributing to flooding in our urban centres.

“Like many other nations, Nigeria faces significant challenges in managing plastic waste.”

He noted that the country suffers from the burden of unchecked plastic pollution, stressing that “Our cities and rural communities suffer from the burden of unchecked plastic pollution ranging from sachet water bags littering our streets to microplastics entering our food chain and causing public health concerns.”