The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Preparedness for the Ban on Single-Use Plastics has proposed the introduction of a green tax on industries involved in the production of polypropylene.
Polypropylene is one of the most widely used materials in plastic manufacturing.
The move is designed to curb Nigeria’s escalating plastic waste crisis by compelling industries to account for the environmental impact of their production processes.
Speaking at the committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Chairman, Terseer Ugbor (APC, Benue) said the House would also consider comprehensive legislation to regulate polypropylene production and promote large-scale recycling as part of a national strategy to mitigate pollution and safeguard public health.
Ugbor described plastic pollution as a “Growing menace,” noting that the proliferation of polypropylene-based products has overburdened Nigeria’s fragile waste management systems.
“Polypropylene’s environmental impact is substantial and deeply concerning,” he said.
“Its production emits toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene, endangering workers and nearby communities.
“It is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions and resource depletion.
“Once discarded, it is non-biodegradable—remaining in landfills for up to 500 years and polluting our oceans, with devastating effects on marine life.”
He disclosed that the committee would collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency to design policy frameworks for the proposed green tax and to embed polypropylene recycling into the national waste management strategy.
(Punch)
