Reps Propose Green Tax to Curb Nigeria’s Plastic Pollution Crisis

ABUJA, Nigeria – The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Preparedness for the Ban on Single-Use Plastics has proposed the introduction of a green tax on industries producing polypropylene, one of the most widely used plastic materials in Nigeria.

Speaking during the committee’s inaugural meeting on Tuesday, Chairman Terseer Ugbor (APC, Benue) said the measure aims to tackle the country’s escalating plastic waste problem by compelling manufacturers to take responsibility for the environmental damage linked to their operations.

“Polypropylene’s environmental impact is substantial and deeply concerning,” Ugbor said. “It is non-biodegradable, staying in the environment for up to 500 years and releasing toxic chemicals that threaten public health and marine life.”

Ugbor disclosed that the committee will work with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to design policy frameworks that incentivise recycling and penalise high-pollution manufacturing practices.

“This initiative is not just about taxation,” Ugbor added. “It is about sustainability, responsibility and protecting future generations.”

Public hearings will be held to ensure the policy is practical, fair and economically viable.

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Mirian Gom

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Gom Mirian AHR Senior Correspondent, has over 8 years’ experience reporting on health, crime, education, investigations, and development issues across Nigeria and Africa. With dual degrees in Economics, she combines analytical skill with compelling storytelling. Widely recognised for her public health and humanitarian reporting, she earned a Nestlé Award nomination for compelling human-interest journalism. Follow her on Twitter @mirian_linus.

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