ECOWAS Parliament To Consider Regulations On Use Of Plastic Products

By Maureen Okon

The ECOWAS Parliament Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, will consider two draft regulations on Nov. 28, aimed at restricting the use of plastic products in the sub region.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the parliamentarians will consider the two draft regulations meant to stem more environmental hazards from the use of the materials in the sub region.

At the committee’s sitting on Thursday in Abuja, Mr Bernard Koffi, Head of Environment and Climate Change, presented the two draft documents for consideration.

The first was on ‘Mechanism to Combat the Exploitation and Illegal Trade of Wild Species in West Africa’.

The other was titled ‘Memorandum on Draft Regulation on Harmonisation of the Regulation of Plastic Products and the Environmentally Sound Management of Plastic Waste within ECOWAS Member States’.

In separate remarks on the proposals, the parliamentarians expressed divergent views on the documents.

Mrs Laadi Ayamba from Ghana said that education and awareness must be created for proper understanding of the regulations before applying it to the region.

On his part, Mr Awaji-Inombek Abiante from Nigeria said that the bloc should not rush into accepting the documents.

“We should not adapt western practice to our region, because it will only create problem when it does not relate to Africa’s needs,” he said.

Mr Sena Alipui from Togo said it was imperative to ensure proper understanding of the regulations, which may affect the livelihood of the people.

According to him, the parliament should focus on the more serious situation in Mali and Niger, and prioritise resolving the political crisis in the two countries.

However, Mr Mahama Ayanga from Ghana, said the parliament should take action with regards to the plastic waste pollution that has defaced the sub region and Africa as a whole.

He added that the region should apply restrictions on the use of bio-degradable and non-degradable materials that are posing serious environmental concerns across countries in West Africa.

The Chairman of the Joint Committees, Mr Ahi Sampson of Ghana, adjourned deliberations on the documents till Nov. 28, to enable the parliamentarians review the draft regulations for appropriate inputs.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed