Following a key activity towards preparation for fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) of the plastic treaty, the Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), a member of the Global Alliance for Incineration Alternatives (GAIA) and Break Free From Plastics (BFFP), organised a media capacity building training to address plastic pollution in Nigeria.
The workshop, which was held in Lagos with the support of the Global Greengrants Fund (GGF), was to empower Journalists as advocates and help transform the UN PLASTIC TREATY knowledge into actions for sustainability.
Participants noted that plastic pollution is a global menace throughout its entire lifecycle, with health and environmental implications which includes cancers, endocrine disruption, diabetes, obesity, developmental issues, reproductive dysfunction, and respiratory diseases among others.
It was also emphasized that women, youth, and PWDs are disproportionately impacted by exposure to plastic pollution and call for inclusive processes for inclusive participation.
The workshop highlighted the need for an inclusive approach to managing plastics in Nigeria, involving collaboration with community, religious, and political leaders.
PAVE also stressed the importance of scientific research in addressing plastic pollution and called for a just transition for vulnerable communities.
While acknowledging the importance of environmental education in school curricula to increase awareness in future generations, PAVE also called for a Just Transition for vulnerable communities, with special attention to waste pickers and workers in cooperative settings.
GAIA Nigeria identified areas of intervention including policy and regulation, advocacy/engagement, environmental justice and financial resources.
“Exploration and promotion of sustainable alternatives to plastic use including the use of rubber,” the group said.
Participants resolved to pressure the Nigerian government to ban single-use plastic by 2025 as against the current 2028 date as contained in the proposed National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, starting with styrofoam, microbeads and carrier bags, as they have no economic value.
PAVE demanded that the government implement the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management and promulgate regulations on plastic waste management. They also called for support for the Africa Zero Waste Journalist Network Nigeria Chapter to raise awareness on climate change, zero waste, and plastics.
The workshop featured goodwill messages from Huub Scheele of the Global Greengrants Fund and a representative of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Mrs. Oluwakemi Bankole, Deputy Director, Natural Resources Protection Department.
Presentations were made by Anthony Akpan, Executive Director of PAVE, on ‘The Plastic Age’, Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) spoke on ‘The Role of the Media in Reporting Plastic Pollution’ and Victor Fabunmi, Senior Programme Officer, Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria) also made a presentation on ‘Emerging Plastic Bans in Africa and Nigeria’.
A communiqué was issued at the end of the two-day workshop, endorsed by PAVE, Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria), Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), and Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF).
A network of journalists was established to create awareness on the UN Plastics Treaty and its implementation. The workshop brought together over 20 journalists from various media platforms in Nigeria.