...Experts warn of politicized negotiations, call for production cuts, polluter accountability, and stronger media involvement
By HeapNews
As the world prepares for the resumed session of the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2) on the Global Plastics Treaty in Geneva, Nigerian environmentalists, civil society actors, and public health experts are urging the federal government to adopt a firmer and more transparent position in the negotiations.
The call came during a national webinar titled Plastic Treaty Pre INC 5.2, organized by Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev) Nigeria and co-convened by the Centre for Earth Works (CFEW). The virtual session brought together experts from across Nigeria and Africa to galvanize public support for a robust, legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution from production to disposal.
“Plastic pollution is growing at an alarming rate, an estimated 44 million tonnes are dumped into the environment every year,” said Dr. Benson Fasanya, Executive Director of EarthWorks, who delivered the keynote address. “This problem is rooted in the petrochemical industry and threatens both human health and the planet.”
Dr. Fasanya emphasized the importance of the treaty, describing it as a potentially “system-changing instrument” that must be legally binding and ambitious. He warned that the negotiations, which began with INC-1 and have progressed through INC-4, risk being undermined by powerful interests.
“Some countries, including oil-producing nations, are resisting proposals for production cuts. This threatens to weaken the treaty’s impact,” he said.
Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADev and convener of the event, echoed the urgency, particularly from an African perspective.
“Africa is not a dumping ground,” Adogame declared. “We are calling for a just treaty that addresses health, environmental justice, and plastic production cuts, especially for single-use plastics. Nigeria must stand firm with the African Group of Negotiators to demand polluter accountability and climate justice.”
He pointed out that Nigeria’s position on key issues like capping plastic production remains unclear, even as the country has taken initial steps such as banning single-use plastics in some government institutions.
“While Nigeria has made some efforts, the federal government must publicly state its full support for a strong, legally binding treaty,” Adogame said.
Dr. Oludayo Dada added a note of caution, saying: “From what we are seeing, several countries and negotiators are shifting their positions under pressure. Many no longer want health and human rights mentioned in the treaty. This is very concerning.”
Prof. Babajide Alo reinforced the need for unwavering commitment from African delegations. “Putting a cap on plastic production must remain a central priority. Spoiler countries will try to derail the process—we must be ready,” he said.
Other speakers called for intensified local engagement while global negotiations proceed. Anthony Akpan of PAVE urged continued public education on the dangers of plastic pollution, while Daniel Oderinde praised existing bans and called for support for local, sustainable alternatives.
Osarumwense Ogbeifun of CFEW said the purpose of the webinar was “to demystify environmental issues, empower people with knowledge, and build public support for the treaty.”
A recurring theme throughout the event was the crucial role of the media in influencing treaty outcomes. Dr. Fasanya urged journalists to highlight the health risks associated with plastic pollution, spotlight the need to eliminate toxic chemicals, and advocate for transparency and funding mechanisms.
“There is a need for media to report on the establishment of a dedicated fund, highlight human rights violations, and counter false solutions such as the reliance on waste incinerators,” he said.
The Global Plastics Treaty, being negotiated under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is intended to create a legally binding international framework to end plastic pollution. INC 5.2 in Geneva is expected to conclude the negotiation process ahead of the treaty’s formal adoption.