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INC 5.4: Nigeria pushes for equity to solve its plastic waste problem – EnviroNews
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As discussions proceed on establishing a legally binding agreement to regulate plastic usage, Nigeria has called for fairness in the processes to protect its economic sovereignty.
Some negotiators are currently pushing for a reduction in hydrocarbon services, such as the production of polymers, which Nigeria disagrees with due to the implications for its economic sovereignty.
Stakeholders, who convened in Abuja on Monday, October 5, 2026, to receive an update on the country’s progress on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution, including the Marine Environment, want the proposed treaty to be extremely explicit on this matter so that the country can determine the most effective way to address its plastic waste crisis.
During the meeting, organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria), participants advocated for an equitable and transparent multilateral financial mechanism. This mechanism aims to assist Nigeria in enhancing its capabilities to address the challenges posed by poor plastic management.
“The treaty is a vehicle, but you cannot move it without finance,” Dr. Ahmadu Jibrin, a staff member of the Federal Ministry of Environment, said. According to him, Nigeria will have a difficult time addressing this issue in its entirety if it relies on its national budget.
As a result, he argued that the treaty’s socioeconomic consequences for Nigerians should be considered, as many of them rely on these activities for a living. Nigeria is a member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and relies heavily on oil earnings to sustain its economy. To address the plastic problem, it is necessary to determine whether it is coming from upstream, midstream, or downstream sources.
“We must have a clear scope and definition so that we can know where we are going,” he asserts, adding that “we are there to ensure that whatever thing that is said or negotiated will not affect Nigeria as a sovereign nation, especially when it comes to our petroleum production.”
Mrs. Omotunde Adeola, the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, also spoke at the event. She described it as a valuable opportunity for industry stakeholders to reflect on the outcomes of the INC processes, share important insights, identify areas that need further attention, and consider practical steps to enhance the nation’s collective response to environmental challenges.
According to her, the importance of successful stakeholder engagement in environmental governance cannot be overstated, as the challenges addressed through the INC process have cross-sector implications.
Thus, significant progress would require continuous collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, academia, the corporate sector, and other key industry stakeholders, she noted.
“Today’s debrief is therefore not simply an opportunity to look back at the INC engagement. It is also an opportunity to look forward to examining how the knowledge gained, perspectives shared, and lessons learned can inform our ongoing work and contribute to stronger environmental policies and implementation in Nigeria,” Mrs. Adeola stated.
In this regard, the head of the Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department expressed her heartfelt gratitude to SRADev Nigeria for its invaluable collaboration and support in organising the programme.
“Partnerships such as this demonstrate the value of bringing together government and non-governmental actors to develop informed and inclusive approaches to environmental management,” she submitted.
Dr. Leslie Dogame, Executive Director of SRADev Nigeria, explained that the objective of the meeting is to examine the progress and challenges of the ongoing global plastics treaty negotiations. Additionally, it identifies significant challenges and gaps, as well as important issues currently being considered by various countries.
Others, he elaborated, are to share solutions and best practices and strengthen international cooperation, as well as consider the interest and responsibilities of developing countries, including the need for financial and technical support.
The SRADev Nigeria boss, therefore, encouraged everyone to participate actively and constructively in the discussions.
“Let us use this platform to share knowledge, exchange experiences, raise pertinent issues, identify opportunities for collaboration, and agree on practical actions that can strengthen our collective efforts,” Dr. Adogame urged.
By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja
