Plastic Waste Crisis: Nigeria's Costly Tonnes

Nigeria generates an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste per year, making it one of the highest amounts in Africa. With an annual growth rate of 2.4%, this figure is expected to increase in the coming years. Nigeria also falls among the 30 countries with the worst waste management practices, with 0.52 million metric tonnes of poorly managed plastic waste per year. Of this, 0.21 million metric tonnes find their way into the ocean, contributing to marine debris.

Nigeria generates 32 million metric tonnes of waste annually, 2.5 million tonnes of which is plastic

Nigeria has one of the worst plastic waste management systems in the world, ranking 11th with 0.52 million metric tonnes of poorly managed plastic waste per year. Of this figure, 0.21 million metric tonnes end up in the ocean.

The country's plastic waste problem is exacerbated by its low recycling rate. Less than 10% of plastic waste generated is recycled, mainly due to the fact that most categories of plastic waste are not sought after by recyclers. For example, polystyrene waste, polyurethane foam, light packaging polymers, and polyvinyl chloride waste are considered "unrecyclable" locally and often end up in dumpsites.

The situation is further complicated by Nigeria's increasing plastic consumption and imports. Between 1996 and 2017, the country imported more than 20 million tonnes of plastics, and at this rate, its plastic imports are expected to reach 40 million tonnes by 2030.

The impact of plastic waste is significant, with more than 130,000 tonnes of plastic ending up in Nigeria's water bodies annually. This contributes to the country's ranking among the top 20 nations worldwide responsible for marine debris.

Nigeria ranks 11th in the world for poor plastic waste management, with 0.52 million metric tonnes of poorly managed plastic waste per year

Chigozie Chikere, a lecturer at the Institute of Maritime Studies, University of Lagos, says that Nigeria needs to do more to improve its plastic waste management. He also campaigns against plastic waste in the oceans and waterways, highlighting the dangers it poses to the environment and public health.

Nigeria's poor plastic waste management is not an isolated issue. The country imported more than 20 million tonnes of plastics between 1996 and 2017, and its plastic imports are expected to reach 40 million tonnes by 2030. This influx of plastic, coupled with low recycling rates, contributes to the growing plastic waste problem. Less than 10% of plastic waste generated in Nigeria is recycled, and certain types of plastic, such as polystyrene waste and polyurethane foam, are particularly challenging to recycle locally.

The impact of Nigeria's plastic waste is not limited to its borders. With more than 130,000 tonnes of plastic ending up in Nigeria's water bodies each year, the country is among the top 20 countries contributing to marine debris globally. This plastic pollution has far-reaching ecological consequences, affecting marine life and the health of our oceans.

Nigeria imported more than 20 million tonnes of plastic between 1996 and 2017

Nigeria is Africa's second-largest importer of plastics in primary form, which are used for making supermarket bags, plastic bottles and furniture, among many other products. Between 1996 and 2017, Nigeria imported more than 20 million tonnes of plastics. This makes Nigeria the second-largest plastic importer in Africa and accounts for 17% of the total consumption of plastic on the continent.

Nigeria generates an estimated 32 million tons of solid waste per year, one of the highest amounts in Africa. Of that figure, 2.5 million tons is plastic. More than 130,000 tonnes of plastic end up in Nigeria's water bodies every year, and the country is estimated to be among the top 20 countries around the world contributing to marine debris. Of the first 20 countries with the worst plastic waste management in the world, Nigeria ranks 11th with 0.52 million metric tonnes of poorly managed plastic waste per year. Of this staggering figure, 0.21 million metric tonnes find their way into the ocean.

The low rate of recycling in Nigeria is partly explained by the fact that most categories of plastic waste are not usually sought after by recyclers. Examples include polystyrene waste, polyurethane foam, light packaging polymers or wastes of polyvinyl chloride. As these products seem locally "unrecyclable", they constitute larger fractions of plastic waste found and left on dumpsites.

Despite these huge challenges, there are sustainable alternatives to reduce the use of plastic, as illustrated by the case of Rwanda.

Less than 10% of plastic waste generated in Nigeria is recycled

Nigeria generates an estimated 32 million tons of solid waste per year, of which 2.5 million tons is plastic waste. The country is among the top ten plastic waste polluters globally and is in dire need of an effective waste management strategy, particularly in plastic recycling.

Nigeria imported more than 20 million tonnes of plastics between 1996 and 2017, and at this rate, its plastic imports are expected to reach 40 million tonnes by 2030. Less than 10% of plastic waste generated is recycled. The low rate of recycling is partly explained by the fact that most categories of plastic waste are not usually sought after by recyclers. Examples include polystyrene waste, polyurethane foam, light packaging polymers or wastes of polyvinyl chloride. As these products seem locally "unrecyclable", they constitute larger fractions of plastic waste found and left on dumpsites.

Nigeria ranks 11th out of the first 20 countries with the worst plastic waste management in the world, with 0.52 million metric tonnes of poorly managed plastic waste per year. Of this figure, 0.21 million metric tonnes find their way into the ocean.

Despite the huge challenges, there are sustainable alternatives to reduce the use of plastic, as illustrated by the case of Rwanda. Some African countries have taken steps to curb plastic waste discarded into the environment, such as gradually eliminating or banning single-use plastics and making producers more responsible through buy-back programmes.

More than 130,000 tonnes of plastic end up in Nigeria's water bodies every year

Nigeria generates an estimated 32 million tons of solid waste per year, one of the highest amounts in Africa. Of that figure, plastic constitutes 2.5 million tons. It is estimated that more than 130,000 tonnes of plastic end up in Nigeria's water bodies every year, making the country one of the top 20 countries contributing to marine debris.

Nigeria ranks 11th out of the first 20 countries with the worst plastic waste management in the world, with 0.52 million metric tonnes of poorly managed plastic waste per year. Of this figure, 0.21 million metric tonnes find their way into the ocean.

The low rate of recycling in Nigeria is partly explained by the fact that most categories of plastic waste are not usually sought after by recyclers. Examples include polystyrene waste, polyurethane foam, light packaging polymers or wastes of polyvinyl chloride. As these products seem locally "unrecyclable", they constitute larger fractions of plastic waste found and left on dumpsites.

Despite these challenges, there are sustainable alternatives to reduce the use of plastic, as illustrated by the case of Rwanda.

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