Plastic Pollution in Nigeria: The Need for Legislation to Tackle the Menace

Abstract

Collection, disposal and management of plastic waste and polythene bags is a growing problem in Nigeria. The use of plastic/polythene bags made of thin plastic film has increased significantly in recent years. The manner of disposal of these items has resulted in the degradation of the natural environment. In Nigeria, lots of plastics are used on daily basis, of which most, if not all of them, are not properly disposed of. Some of these items end up in landfills, littering the environment, harming wildlife or blocking drainages, therefore, increasing the risk of flood. This paper examines the existing laws in relation to waste management in Nigeria and the inadequacies of the existing legislation in combating this phenomenon. The doctrinal method of research was used and it is recommended that there is a need for new legislation to be enacted for Nigeria to surmount the menace of plastic pollution.