The House of Representatives committee has proposed the introduction of a green tax on industries involved in the production of plastics
The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on preparedness for single-use plastics ban in Nigeria has proposed the introduction of a green tax on industries involved in the production of polypropylene — one of the most widely used materials in plastic manufacturing.
The committee said the initiative seeks to tackle Nigeria’s growing plastic waste crisis and ensure that manufacturers take responsibility for the environmental impact of their production activities.
Speaking at the committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja, the chairman, Rep. Terseer Ugbor (APC, Benue), disclosed that the House would also consider legislation to regulate polypropylene production and promote recycling as part of a broader national strategy to curb pollution and protect public health.
Ugbor described plastic pollution as an escalating menace, warning that the uncontrolled spread of polypropylene-based products has overwhelmed Nigeria’s waste management systems.
According to him, “Polypropylene’s environmental impact is substantial and disturbing. During the production process, it releases toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene, putting workers and nearby communities at risk.
It’s responsible for enormous carbon emissions and relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to resource depletion. As waste, polypropylene isn’t biodegradable, lingering in landfills for up to 500 years and polluting our oceans and harming marine life in the process.”
He added that the committee would collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to design policy frameworks for the proposed green tax and incorporate polypropylene recycling into the national waste management programme.
“Nigeria cannot afford to continue on this path of environmental neglect. Our industries must take responsibility for the ecological footprints they leave behind. This committee will work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that sustainable, environmentally responsible solutions are not just recommended but implemented,” Rep. Ugbor said.
Nigeria currently ranks among the top 20 countries contributing to marine plastic pollution globally. Reports by the World Bank and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) indicate that the country generates more than 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with less than 10 percent recycled.
Major urban centres, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, are among the worst affected, as blocked drainage systems and plastic-clogged waterways exacerbate flooding and contaminate water sources.
Environmental experts warn that the improper disposal of polypropylene and other plastic materials contaminates soil and groundwater, while burning plastic waste releases toxic gases, worsening air quality and increasing respiratory illnesses.
Currently, only a few private firms operate large-scale recycling facilities, while the absence of a comprehensive national policy continues to hinder progress toward sustainable waste management.
With the new proposal, lawmakers aim to encourage investment in recycling, strengthen enforcement of environmental laws, and align Nigeria’s plastic waste management framework with global climate and sustainability targets.
Ugbor further disclosed that the committee would hold public hearings with manufacturers, recyclers, and environmental experts to ensure that any proposed levy or regulation is both effective and equitable.
“This is not about taxation,” he emphasized. “It is about responsibility, sustainability, and protecting the future of our environment and our people.”
