The Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC) has opposed the proposed climate change tax, but instead called for a circular economy prioritising sustainable waste management.

In a report titled, “Beyond Green Taxes: Embracing the Circular Economy for Sustainable Plastic Waste Management in Nigeria,” the centre expressed dismay over the proposed green tax on single-use plastics, and championed a circular economy approach as a more effective and lasting solution.

The federal government had imposed a 10 per cent tax on single use plastics before it was recently suspended by President Bola Tinubu.

In the report to be presented, the centre instead proposed an investment in a circular economy, which would further drive job.

The NCIC report, which will be officially launched in a few days, offers a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s current plastic waste situation, the limitations of green taxes, and the compelling advantages of a circular economy.

The report noted that while plastic waste pollution plagued Nigeria, jeopardising public health, ecosystems and overall wellbeing, the proposed green tax targets plastic production, import and consumption to discourage plastic use and generate waste management funds.

However, the NCIC warned of potential downsides to the green tax, including job losses, disruption in the existing plastic waste recycling system, and economic strain on low-income communities heavily reliant on waste picking for income.

“This strategy involves designing products with recyclability in mind, building and strengthening waste collection and recycling infrastructure and creating markets for recycled materials.

The NCIC report noted the significant job creation potential in the recycling sector, stating, “New jobs would emerge in waste collection, sorting, processing and manufacturing recycled materials. This not only benefits the economy but also empowers individuals who might currently rely on informal waste picking for income. (Daily Trust)

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