The Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC) has released a report titled “Beyond Green Taxes: Embracing the Circular Economy for Sustainable Plastic Waste Management in Nigeria” that challenges the proposed green tax on single-use plastics.
The report highlights the negative impacts of the green tax, including job losses, disruptions in the existing plastic waste recycling system, and economic strain on low-income communities heavily reliant on waste picking for income.
Plastic waste pollution is a significant problem in Nigeria, posing risks to public health, ecosystems, and overall well-being. The proposed green tax aims to discourage plastic use and generate waste management funds by targeting plastic production, import, and consumption.
However, the NCIC argues that this approach may not be effective in addressing the root causes of plastic waste and could have unintended consequences.
Instead, the NCIC advocates for a circular economy model that prioritizes resource efficiency, reuse, and recycling. This strategy involves designing products with recyclability in mind, building and strengthening waste collection and recycling infrastructure, and creating markets for recycled materials.
The report emphasizes the economic and social benefits of a circular economy for plastic waste management in Nigeria. It highlights the significant job creation potential in the recycling sector, where new jobs would emerge in waste collection, sorting, processing, and manufacturing of recycled materials. This not only benefits the economy but also empowers individuals who might currently rely on informal waste picking for income.
Additionally, the report details the broader economic and environmental advantages of a circular economy. A thriving recycling industry stimulates economic activity by creating new businesses and reducing reliance on imported virgin plastic.
This focus on resource efficiency extends to environmental benefits, as recycling conserves valuable natural resources and reduces the energy consumption associated with extracting and processing raw materials.
Most importantly, a circular economy combats pollution and safeguards public health by diverting plastic waste from landfills and the environment.
The CEO of NCIC, Bankole Oloruntoba, emphasized that a circular economy presents a more sustainable and inclusive solution.
He stated, “While we recognize the urgency of addressing plastic pollution, green taxes pose a significant risk to our economy and communities. A circular economy presents a more sustainable and inclusive solution that tackles the root causes of plastic waste while generating jobs and propelling economic growth.”
