Lagos, Nigeria — Environmentalists, civil society groups, and public health experts have called on the Nigerian government to take a firmer and more transparent position on plastic pollution as the world heads into the resumed session of the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2) for a Global Plastics Treaty scheduled to hold in Geneva, Switzerland.
The call was made during a Plastic Treaty Pre INC 5.2 national webinar organized by Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev) Nigeria and co—convened by the Centre for Earth Works (CFEW).
The session, which brought together experts from across Nigeria and Africa, aimed to raise public awareness and build support for a legally binding treaty that tackles plastic pollution from a full life-cycle perspective.
Delivering a keynote on “The Global Plastic Treaty and Why It Matters”, Dr. Benson Fasanya, Executive Director of EarthWorks, stressed the urgency of global action.
“Plastic pollution is growing at an alarming rate—an estimated 44 million tonnes are dumped into the environment every year. This problem is rooted in the petrochemical industry and threatens both human health and the planet.
“The Global Plastic Treaty has the potential to be a system-changing instrument, if we ensure it is legally binding and ambitious,” Fasanya said.
He also provided a recap of the treaty’s negotiation journey, noting that INC-1 to INC-4 have laid the groundwork for what could become one of the most consequential environmental treaties since the Paris Climate Agreement.
However, the negotiations remain deeply political. “Some countries, including oil-producing nations, are resisting proposals for production cuts. This threatens to weaken the treaty’s impact,” Fasanya warned.
From the African perspective, Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADev and convener of the webinar, called on Nigeria and other African states to rally behind progressive demands at the treaty negotiations. “Africa is not a dumping ground.
“We are calling for a just treaty that addresses health, environmental justice, and plastic production cuts, especially for single-use plastics.
“Nigeria must stand firm with the African Group of Negotiators to demand polluter accountability and climate justice,” Adogame said.
Adogame emphasized that most African states participate in the negotiations through the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) and noted that Nigeria’s position remains unclear, especially on production cuts and capping plastic use.
“While Nigeria has made some efforts, such as banning single-use plastics in some quarters, the federal government must publicly state its full support for a strong, legally binding treaty,” he said.
Other participants shared similar sentiments:
Dr. Oludayo Dada cautioned that the negotiations have become increasingly politicized and warned of backsliding.
“From what we are seeing, several countries and negotiators are shifting their positions under pressure. Many no longer want health and human rights mentioned in the treaty. This is very concerning.”
Prof. Babajide Alo urged the Nigerian and African delegations not to compromise on core demands.
“Putting a cap on plastic production must remain a central priority. Spoiler countries will try to derail the process—we must be ready.”
Anthony Akpan of PAVE called for intensified local awareness efforts while global talks continue.
“While we wait for the treaty, we must keep educating our people on the harmful effects of plastics.”
Daniel Oderinde applauded Nigeria’s tentative steps, including its single-use plastics ban, and called for grassroots engagement and the promotion of local alternatives.
Osarumwense Ogbeifun (CFEW), speaking on the objective of the webinar, said, “Our mission is to demystify environmental issues, empower people with knowledge, and build public support for the treaty.”
A key message throughout the event was the importance of the media in shaping the outcome of the negotiations.
Dr. Benson Fasanya charged journalists to spotlight the health implications of plastic pollution, advocate for the elimination of toxic chemicals in plastics, and push for transparency and strong regulatory frameworks.
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“There is a need for media to report on the establishment of a dedicated fund, highlight human rights violations, and counter false solutions such as the reliance on waste incinerators,” Fasanya added.
About the Global Plastics Treaty:
The treaty is being negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and seeks to create a legally binding international agreement to end plastic pollution. INC 5.2 is expected to finalize negotiations ahead of the treaty’s adoption.
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