Federal Government is poised to enforce a ban on single-use plastic products (SUPs) and styrofoam within ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The indication was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, during a workshop and capacity-building session for chemicals and waste handlers held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday.
Commending the state government for its initiative, Salako emphasized the importance of enhancing the capacity of manufacturers and producers to adopt the principles of cleaner production and effective chemical management as key measures to tackle environmental challenges.
During the workshop, the minister restated the commitment of the Federal Government to eliminating single-use plastics, urging government departments and offices to adhere to the new directive.
The Ogun State Ministry of Environment organized the second edition of the Chemical Handlers and Users Workshop to inform stakeholders about the necessity of safeguarding public health and the environment by embracing best practices in chemical handling and waste management.
Participants at the seminar highlighted the adverse effects of improper waste and chemical handling, attributing them to the loss of biodiversity, pollution of underground water, and an increase in non-communicable diseases.
Consequently, they advocated the adoption of circular solutions in chemical and waste management to ensure more efficient and sustainable production processes.
