Strategic management of plastic pollution in Nigeria: Balancing best approaches

Plastic pollution has emerged as a pressing environmental concern globally, with Nigeria grappling to manage its impacts. Nigeria has established a range of legal instruments to combat environmental issues, including plastic pollution, such as the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act and the Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions, etc.) Act. However, these laws encounter obstacles that hinder their successful implementation. One key challenge is the gap between legislative intent and practical enforcement. Limited resources, inadequate monitoring, and lax compliance undermine efforts to regulate plastic production, use, and disposal. This leads to the persistence of plastic pollution, particularly evident in urban areas and water bodies. Additionally, the multifaceted nature of plastic pollution poses complexities for regulatory measures. Addressing various forms of plastic waste, such as single-use plastics and microplastics, demands tailored approaches, often resulting in fragmented strategies and confusion among stakeholders. This paper investigates Nigeria's legal framework aimed at mitigating plastic pollution, focusing on the challenges impeding its effectiveness and the potential avenues for improvement. To surmount these challenges, promising prospects exist within the legal framework. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms through enhanced monitoring and stricter penalties could bolster compliance and deter violations. Collaborative initiatives involving government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and industries can yield innovative solutions and effective implementation. By addressing obstacles, Nigeria can realize a more effective legal strategy to combat plastic pollution, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable environment for present and future generations.