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CODAF AND OTHER GAIA NIGERIA MEMBERS CALLS FOR ACTION AGAINST SINGLE-USE

Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) joined other members of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) on an advocacy visit to the Delta State Ministry of Environment in Asaba, Delta State on its campaign against Plastic Pollution, Open Waste Dumping and the promotion of Zero Waste.



The meeting which held on Thursday, the 13th of July 2023, was also facilitated by Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) in partnership with Green Knowledge Foundation (GKF) and Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) , featuring strategic discussion sessions on the global plastic treaty and the efforts of the Delta State Government in achieving a plastic free environment in the state.

 
Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Director of CODAF, Benin Richard stated that with the current situation of the country and the  state, the total ban of plastic may be an unachievable fit. He however pointed out that the Delta State government can employ strategic efforts to reduce the use of plastic by monitoring the number of plastics that leak into the state.

Mr. Benin suggested that the ministry can start by banning the use of Single-Use Plastics within their office surrounding and gradually extend it to other ministries and the entire secretariat complex.


Also speaking at the meeting, the Executive Director GKF, Bawo Akpo stated that the issue of plastic banning or reduction is a commitment that should be prioritized by the government, with an aim of achieving a common goal of Zero plastic.

He suggested that the government can develop mechanisms that will involve the collection of plastics from the people in exchange for health care services in government owned hospitals and payment of school fees.

Representing ERA/FoEN at the meeting, the Project Officer, Waste Management- Melody Enyinnaya stated that Extended Producer Responsibility negotiation may not be complete if it doesn’t produce an accountability system.

She added that the government should make policies that hold manufacturers responsible for their product waste such as withdrawal policy, adding that segregation of waste from source should become a practice.

According to her, in order to get it right with the monitoring and reduction of plastic waste in Delta State, there is an urgent need to revisit the Delta State Waste Management Laws for gaps that can hinder the achievement of effective waste management systems in the state.


On her part, the Director of Climate Change, Delta State Ministry of Environment, Mrs. V.D Briggs commended the organizations for their visit, applauding the solutions presented by the team.

She noted that the team will be invited on another scheduled date for further discussions on the management of plastic waste in Delta State and how to achieve results.

The highlight of the event includes a sensitization road show/campaign around Asaba metropolis against Open Waste dumping, to commemorate National Environmental Sanitation Day. The team also made a presentation of GAIA Nigeria Zero Waste Guidelines Booklet to the Director of Climate Change and also to the Permanent Sectary of the Delta State Ministry of Environment.


WHAT'S CODAF

CODAF also known as Rural Community Empowerment Initiative (RUCEi) works to bridge the communication gap between policy makers and the grassroots AND raise awareness of rural dwellers and empowering them to be active players in environmental decision making.

This mandate is anchored on article 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights which states that “All peoples shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development

OurGoal

To engage in intervention projects that builds the capacity and empowers rural community people to defend their collective rights to participating in natural resource governance through a right-based approach

OurMission

To engage in intervention projects that builds the capacity and empowers rural community people to defend their collective rights to participating in natural resource governance through a right-based approach

OurVision

We envision a self-sufficient community in the management of their environment and resources without any form of marginalization.