RenaPulse News reports that environmentalists, civil-society groups, and public-health experts are urging the Federal Government to adopt a firm, transparent position on plastic pollution ahead of the upcoming Global Plastic Treaty negotiations in Geneva. The call came during a pre-Intergovernmental Negotiation (INC-5.2) national webinar hosted by Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev) Nigeria and co-convened by the Centre for Earth Works (CFEW).

The virtual session, which convened experts from across Nigeria and the wider African continent, aimed to build public awareness and mobilize support for a legally binding treaty addressing plastic pollution throughout its full life cycle—from production to disposal. In his keynote address on “The Global Plastic Treaty and Why It Matters,” Dr. Benson Fasanya, Executive Director of Earth Works, emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation. “Only a treaty that prioritizes health equity, environmental justice, and significant production cuts—especially for single-use plastics—can halt the plastic crisis,” he said.

Representing the African Group of Negotiators, Mr. Adogame warned that Nigeria’s official stance remains unclear, particularly on production caps. “Many African nations are united in demanding polluter accountability and climate justice,” he noted. “Nigeria must publicly reaffirm its support for a strong, enforceable treaty rather than rely solely on piecemeal measures like isolated bans.”

Concerns were also raised about industry pressure derailing key protections. Dr. Oludayo Dada cautioned that some delegations are backtracking on commitments to human health and rights under external influence. “We cannot allow spoiler countries to weaken the treaty’s fundamental safeguards,” he insisted. Professor Babajide Alo echoed this warning, stressing that capping plastic production must remain a non-negotiable priority.

Beyond diplomatic advocacy, participants called for ramped-up domestic education. Anthony Akpan of the Pan African Vision for the Environment urged intensified grassroots outreach to highlight plastic’s harms. Daniel Oderinde commended Nigeria’s initial ban on single-use plastics but argued for deeper community engagement and promotion of local, sustainable alternatives.

Organizers said INC-5.2 must finalize negotiations in time for formal treaty adoption under the UN Environment Programme. Their shared goal: a binding international agreement that curbs plastic pollution at every stage of its life cycle, protecting both ecosystems and public health.