Lawmakers push bill prohibiting the manufacture, use and importation of plastic bags in Nigeria

The House of Representatives has adopted a report on a bill seeking to prohibit the manufacture, use and importation of plastic bags for commercial and household packaging in Nigeria. 

The bill which has been passed by the Senate, seeks to address the harmful effects of plastic bags on the oceans, rivers, lakes, forests, wildlife as well as human beings. According to a member of the house, Mohammed Monguno, plastic bags are non-degradable and have over the years become environmental hazards.

The bill amongst other things, recommends that retailers of goods should offer paper bags to customers at the point of sale in place of plastic bags or be guilty of an offence when the bill is passed into law. The bill also proffers that a person who manufactures plastic bags for the purpose of selling would be guilty of an offence. It also proffers that a person who imports plastic bag for sale is equally guilty of an offence.  

“Anybody person found guilty shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding N500,000 or a jail term not exceeding three years or both,” the bill recommended.

The lawmakers will on a later day list the bill for a 3rd reading and afterwards send it to President Buhari for assent.