Nigeria joins forces with World Economic Forum to fight plastic pollution

Nigeria has officially joined the World Economic Forum's Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) to combat plastic pollution. This partnership will see Nigeria work closely with the World Economic Forum to launch a national plastic action partnership modeled after successful initiatives in Indonesia, Ghana, and Vietnam. Kristin Hughes, the Executive Director of the Global Plastic Action Partnership, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to discuss the significance of Nigeria's involvement in the fight against plastic pollution. Hughes highlighted the importance of bringing together various stakeholders, including civil society, academics, government officials, and the private sector, to collectively address the issue of plastic waste and pollution. The partnership aims to implement a three-pillar approach focused on collaboration, data collection, and innovative solutions. Following Nigeria's official membership to the GPAP, the next steps involve conducting a baseline assessment to identify the sources of plastic waste and develop targeted strategies to address the problem. An alarming statistic from 2018 revealed that Nigeria produced approximately 520,000 tons of plastic waste, with a significant portion ending up in the sea. By analyzing data and engaging with the government, the partnership aims to shift towards a circular economy for plastics, moving away from the linear 'take, use, dispose' model. As countries worldwide strive to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing emphasis on building back greener and more sustainably. Nigeria's commitment to tackling plastic pollution and adopting a circular economy is not only an environmental imperative but also a strategic economic move. By investing in green initiatives, Nigeria stands to attract financing, create green jobs, and stimulate economic growth while fostering a more sustainable future. Hughes drew attention to the successful outcomes observed in Indonesia, where a national partnership was able to prevent millions of tons of plastic from entering the oceans, create thousands of jobs, and generate substantial revenues. The potential for similar positive impacts in Nigeria is significant, but it will require substantial investment and engagement at both the policy and operational levels. The government's pledge to invest in recycling infrastructure and promote behavior change among consumers is a crucial step towards achieving a circular economy for plastics. Looking ahead, the partnership aims to achieve six main impact areas focusing on financing, policy development, innovation, behavior change, metrics, and inclusivity. Nigeria's leadership in the African Alliance on the circular economy positions the country as a frontrunner in sustainable practices. By leveraging existing initiatives and incorporating new strategies, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in addressing plastic waste and pollution. In conclusion, Nigeria's collaboration with the World Economic Forum's Global Plastic Action Partnership marks a crucial step towards combating plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices in the country. By uniting various stakeholders, collecting data, and implementing innovative solutions, Nigeria is set to pave the way for a greener, more environmentally conscious future.