Poor plastic waste disposal is posing major risks to food security in the West African sub-region Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal has said.
Lawal also disclosed that no fewer than 2 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, with a significant percentage ending up in waterways.
Lawal made the disclosure at the opening ceremony of the validation of the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on plastic management and the ECOWAS initiative towards economic integration through trade, environment and agriculture.
He said: “Across the ECOWAS sub-region, it has been estimated that over 2 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, with a significant percentage ending up in waterways, drainage channels, ocean bodies or open dumps.”
He explained that this poses major risks to food security, climate resilience, public health and economic livelihoods.
He added: “The validation of this Regional Action Plan, therefore, provides us with a harmonised framework for: Transitioning to sustainable plastic production and consumption systems; Strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanisms; Advancing circular economy value chains; Promoting regional standards, monitoring and compliance systems; and Supporting research, innovation and green job creation.”
He also pointed out that the ECOWAS is championing an integrated approach that ensures trade policies, agricultural systems, environmental standards, and industrialisation.
The minister pledged that “Nigeria fully aligns with the objectives of this regional action plan.”
He said the Federal Ministry of Environment continues to strengthen national policies and regulatory frameworks, saying, “We remain committed to working collaboratively with all ECOWAS Member States to harmonise regional standards, promote knowledge exchange, and build capacity for effective implementation.”
The Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs Damtien Tchintchibidja, referencing the 2024 FAO State of Food Security Report, said that 12% of the West African population is food insecure.
“The causes can be attributed to adverse effects of climate change, poor functioning of regional markets, policy incoherence, and restrictive trade policies, as well as conflicts,” she said.
The ECOWAS, she said is committed to advancing regional strategies that promote renewable energy, sustainable land use, and resilience against climate shocks.
She said the ECOWAS Commission, through its Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, is implementing a portfolio of strategic projects aimed at strengthening industrial development, promoting trade, boosting agricultural productivity, improving food and nutritional security, and accelerating inclusive economic growth in all member states.
“These initiatives aim to give operational content to ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the broader objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
She said, “Agriculture remains the backbone of our economies, employing millions and ensuring food security. Guided by the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP), our interventions aim to modernize production, strengthen value chains, and promote agribusiness that is inclusive and competitive.
“Furthermore, we are advancing the West Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health initiatives, which are critical for improving productivity, restoring degraded lands, and ensuring sustainable food systems.
“By investing in soil health and fertiliser access, we are laying the foundation for resilient agriculture that can feed our people and create jobs for our youth and women,” she said.
