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

Kehinde, Adeola Olufunke; Awosusi, Bolade Damilola; Iyaniwura, Sunday Kolawole; Ganiyu, Yahaya

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.

Keywords

plastic pollution (1)waste management (1)environment (2)legislation (3)Nigeria (2)

References

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Cite this record

APA style

Kehinde, Adeola Olufunke & Awosusi, Bolade Damilola & Iyaniwura, Sunday Kolawole & Ganiyu, Yahaya (2023). Plastic Pollution in Nigeria: The Need for Legislation to Tackle the Menace. (2023). Plastic Pollution in Nigeria: The Need for Legislation to Tackle the Menace. Krytyka Prawa. Niezależne Studia Nad Prawem, 15(1), 134-152. https://doi.org/10.7206/kp.2080-1084.575 (Original work published 3/2023AD)

MLA style

Kehinde, Adeola Olufunke and Awosusi, Bolade Damilola and Iyaniwura, Sunday Kolawole and Ganiyu, Yahaya. “Plastic Pollution In Nigeria: The Need For Legislation To Tackle The Menace”. 3/2023AD. Krytyka Prawa. Niezależne Studia Nad Prawem, vol. 15, no. 1, 2023, pp. 134-152.

Chicago style

Kehinde, Adeola Olufunke and Awosusi, Bolade Damilola and Iyaniwura, Sunday Kolawole and Ganiyu, Yahaya. “Plastic Pollution In Nigeria: The Need For Legislation To Tackle The Menace”. Krytyka Prawa. Niezależne Studia Nad Prawem, Krytyka Prawa. Niezależne Studia nad Prawem, 15, no. 1 (2023): 134-152. doi:10.7206/kp.2080-1084.575.

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[1] Adane L., Muleta D., Survey on the Usage of Plastic Bags, their Disposal and Adverse Impacts on the Environment: A Case Study in Jimma City, Southwestern Ethiopia, “Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences” 2011, 3(8). [Google Scholar]

[2] Alabi O.A., Ologbonjaye K.I., Awosolu O., Alalade O.E., Public and Environmental Health Effects of Plastic Wastes Disposal: A Review, “Journal of Toxicology and Risk Assessment” 2019, 5(1). [Google Scholar]

[3] Amokaye G.O., Environmental Law and Practice in Nigeria, Lagos 2004. [Google Scholar]

[4] Ariyoosu D.A., An Examination of Legal Regulation and Environmental Impacts of Telecommunication Installations in Nigeria, “Journal of Law, Policy and Globalisation” 2014, 30. [Google Scholar]

[5] Chandegara V.K., Cholera S.P., Nandasana J.N., Kumpavat M.T., Patel K.C., Plastic Packaging Waste Impact on Climate Change and Its Mitigation, [in:] R. Subbaiah, G.V. Prajapati (eds.), Water Management and Climate Smart Agriculture: Adaptation of Climatic Resilient Water Management and Agriculture, New Delhi 2015. [Google Scholar]

[6] Derraik J.G., The Pollution of the Marine Environment by Plastic Debris: A Review, “Marine Pollution Bulletin” 2002. [Google Scholar]

[7] Dubaish F., Liebezeit G., Suspended Microplastics and Black Carbon Particles in the Jade System, Southern North Sea, “Water, Air, & Soil Pollution” 2013, 224(2). [Google Scholar]

[8] Encyclopedia Law Dictionary, 3rd ed., New Delhi 2008. [Google Scholar]

[9] Goodin R.E., The Politics of Rational Man, London 1976. [Google Scholar]

[10] Hornsby A.S., Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, 4th ed., Oxford 1984. [Google Scholar]

[11] Kehinde A.O., Legal Control of Improper and Effect of Improper solid waste management in Nigeria, “Novena Law Journal” 2018, 6. [Google Scholar]

[12] Olawuyi D.S., The Principles of Nigerian Environmental Law, Ado Ekiti 2015. [Google Scholar]

[13] Readman J.W., Kadar E., Readman J.A., Guitart C., Estuarine and Marine Pollutants, [in:] R.E. Hester, R.M. Harrison (eds.), Marine Pollution and Human Health, London 2011. [Google Scholar]

[14] Richards P.H., Curzon L.B. (eds.), Longman Dictionary of Law, 8th ed., Gosport 2011. [Google Scholar]

[15] William P.C., The Environmental Impact Assessment Act and the process as an Environmental and Livelihood Advocacy Tool in Defending the Environment, “Environmental Defense Newsletter” 2009, 31. [Google Scholar]

[16] Woodley M. (ed.), Osborn’s Concise Law Dictionary, 12th ed., Sweet and Maxwell 2013. [Google Scholar]

Krytyka Prawa. Niezależne Studia nad Prawem