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United Kingdom-based Nigerian culture ambassador, Omolara Augustina Seweje, popularly known as Olori Seweje-MC Alaga Extraordinaire, continues to project African traditions and values to global audiences through her media platforms, cultural events, and community mentorship.

A bilingual radio host and professional traditional wedding moderator, Seweje’s work bridges continents, connecting African heritage with the wider world while celebrating the richness of cultural diversity.

For Seweje, culture is not just performance but a calling. ‘My background has always been arts and culture. While in secondary school, I loved acting and dance. I participated in Yoruba, Igbo, and French cultural activities, and that passion keeps driving me even more every day,’ she said.

Her journey as a culture ambassador began when she took up the mantle of Alaga Iduro and Alaga Ijoko, traditional wedding moderator roles deeply rooted in Yoruba custom.

‘A professional Alaga is expected to uphold cultural values. Beyond moderating weddings, I promote culture daily through my dressing, language, and how I express myself,’ she said.

Through her two radio shows, Eto Omoluabi on Jambo Radio, Scotland and Culture Fusion on Heartsong Live Radio, Seweje has carved a space for cultural dialogue in the diaspora.

While Eto Omoluabi focuses on celebrating Yoruba culture and inspiring Nigerians abroad to take pride in their heritage, Culture Fusion explores global cultures, highlighting shared values and distinct traditions.

‘My shows centre on the beauty and uniqueness of every culture. No culture is superior to another because every culture is beautiful in its own way,’ she said.

Her experience as a traditional wedding host has also expanded her understanding of multicultural connections. Among the many weddings she has moderated, Seweje recalls a Scottish-Yoruba wedding in Inverurie, Scotland, and an Ugandan-Scottish bridal unveiling as particularly memorable.

‘I’ve also hosted more than ten Anglophone-Francophone weddings. Every culture I encounter teaches me something new. The diversity I see at these events reinforces my belief that culture is the heartbeat of humanity,’ she said.

Through her work, Seweje has become a bridge between communities. ‘Many people have been encouraged to explore African culture. Interracial marriages are increasing, and more people now understand others’ behaviour through the lens of culture. It has changed mindsets and broken biases,’ she noted

Despite the progress, she admits that promoting cultural diversity in the diaspora is not without challenges. ‘It can be overwhelming. As an ethnic minority, it takes a lot to get the right platforms. But we’ll keep doing what we do until we’re heard,’ she added.

According to her conviction, she said she is rooted in passion and perseverance. ‘There are opportunities for people who are willing to take them. But your passion must be strong enough to keep you going, because it’s not easy. Many people here prefer to focus on work shifts rather than voluntary cultural promotion.’

True to her advocacy, Seweje’s personal style reflects her values. ‘Everywhere you find me, you’ll see me dressed as African. Even in Glasgow, I wear African prints and fabrics. It gives me confidence, and people commend me for it,’ she said proudly.

Looking to the future, Seweje envisions a world where cultural pride is universal. ‘My goal is to stand on global stages and tell people to be proud of their heritage. The world is beautiful because of its diversity. Imagine a world without agbada, asooke, gele, or the Scottish kilt. Diversity is what makes life colourful,’ she said.

Her upcoming project, slated for 2026, will celebrate African arts through music, fashion, and dance, a continuation of her mission to preserve and showcase cultural beauty.

‘I want to be remembered as the woman who broke biases by preaching the beauty in every culture. Someone who used her platforms to promote unity in diversity and preserve cultural pride across generations,’ she said.

Through her voice, her attire, and her platform, Olori Seweje continues to remind the world that culture is not just a marker of identity, it is a legacy of beauty, pride, and belonging.

Losing a loved one is hard enough but dealing with paperwork shouldn’t make it harder.

This is why understanding who a Next-of-Kin (NOK) is and how to complete verification is so important. PTAD’s verification process ensures pension benefits go directly to the rightful person without stress.

In this report, PTAD explains everything you need to know about NOK verification, the documents required, and how to handle special cases like being abroad or unfit to travel.

Who is a Next of Kin (NOK)?

A Next-of-Kin (NOK) is the individual chosen by the principal to inherit his or her entitlement in the event of his/her death. The NOK could be the child, wife, brother, parent, friend or any relation of the deceased, selected by the deceased while he/she was alive.

If there are more than one NOK, do we all need to be present for verification?

Yes. You all need to be present as NOKs. Verification can only be successful and recognised when all NOKs are present in compliance to the will of the deceased pensioner.

What are the documents needed for NOK verification?

Depending on the department, documents required for verification of NOKs varies. Here is the list of documents required; Letter/Gazette of 1st appointment/Letter of Enlistment; Letter/Gazette of 1st Confirmation of Appointment; Letter/Gazette of Last promotion; Approved Letter of Retirement/Disengagement.; Severance Pay Slip (Disengaged Retirees Only); Evidence of payment of Gratuity; Computation Sheet stamped and signed by the State Auditor General ( for State pensioners with Federal Shares only); and Death Certificate of the Deceased from a Government recognised hospital or National Population Commission.

Others are Letter of Administration from a Federal High Court; Birth Certificate of NOK; Letter of Introduction from MDA (Death in active service); Record of Service; NOK Identity card (Driving Licence, Int’l Passport, National ID Card or Voters Registration Card); Letter of Introduction from the Command Headquarters (Police); Letter of Introduction from the Association of War Affected Police Officers (AWARPO).; Letter of Amnesty from the Police Service Commission (Police); Joint Account of NOKs(Duly Stamped/Signed); Marriage Certificate (For Spouses); Duly signed and stamped NUBAN Joint Bank Account Statement of the NOK (s) with bank logo; Stamped Bank Verification Number (BVN) Slip print out of the NOKs; One colored Passport Photograph for each NOKs; Duly signed and stamped NUBAN Bank Account Statement of the deceased from retirement till date; Birth certificates/sworn affidavit of the NOKs; Evidence of change of name where applicable); and Evidence of Transfer of Service where applicable).

I am not in Nigeria at the moment and I missed the verification exercise that was previously conducted. My monthly pension has been stopped. What do I do?

You can go to the nearest Nigerian Embassy or High Commission to you, obtain an ‘I am alive’ Certificate, attach your resident permit and data page of your international passport.

Also attach all relevant career progression documents and forward to the Directorate through a third party or email to [email protected] or [email protected]. Consequent upon a successful validation, your monthly pension will be restored pending when you make effort to come into the country for verification.

Customs, Immigration and Prisons, as well as Parastatal pensioners are treated every Tuesday; Civil Service Pensioners are treated every Wednesday while Police pensioners and Parastatal pensioners are treated every Thursday However, in light of the COVID 19 pandemic, verification is strictly by invitation. Pensioners must send their documents to [email protected] for review before they are invited for verification

Do I have to submit all my documents when I have a complaint even after I have been verified?

Once a pensioner is verified, the submission of documents is no longer a requirement for forwarding of complaints. It is only the verification slip and statement of account (six months) before the period of complaint that will be required.

Customs, Immigration and Prisons, as well as Parastatal pensioners are treated every Tuesday; Civil Service Pensioners are treated every Wednesday while Police pensioners and Parastatal pensioners are treated every Thursday. However, in light of the COVID 19 pandemic, verification is strictly by invitation. Pensioners must send their documents to [email protected] for review before they are invited for verification

I am not living close to any of your Zonal offices. I am frail and do not have the means to travel. How do I get verified? Is there any other medium that I can use to send in my complaints?

The pensioner can still be verified. He or she should send in the required documents with a full sized photograph, complete contact details, career documents and a medical report ascertaining conditions which are against travels to confirm inability to travel to any of our Zonal offices that is close to him/her through a third party, with a request for Mobile Verification. Once the documents are reviewed and found acceptable, a team of mobile verification officers will be sent to verify him or her.

My spouse is bedridden and cannot attend the verification exercise. How can he/she be verified?

You are required to bring documents with a full sized photograph, complete contact details, career documents and a medical report ascertaining conditions, towards being verified and subsequent enrolment for Monthly Pension (MP). You should arrange all the documents stated and go to the nearest Zonal Office close to you and inform the Team Lead. He will make arrangement for your husband or wife to be verified at home.

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Anambra State Command has arrested five suspected illegal private security operatives in Awka, the state capital.

State Commandant of NSCDC, Commandant Maku Olatunde who disclosed this on Tuesday said the suspects were apprehended during series of raids conducted by operatives of the Command.

Parading the suspects at the State Command Headquarters, Maku said a pump action rifle was recovered during the operation targeted at riding the State of individuals masquerading as private security operatives.

He added that the suspects are currently being interrogated and would be charged after investigation.

He said: ‘The raids conducted in Awka on Tuesday October 28, 2025 at about 11: 00 hrs was based on credible intelligence indicating the presence of individuals dressed in attire resembling that of a security outfit, who may have been hired by political actors with the intention of utilizing them to cause chaos during the election.

‘The arrested suspects include: Mmeka Ekene, male, aged 43; Peter Detuchi Kelvin, male, aged 28; Sunday Akpan Idiong, male, aged 45; Enemuo Ifeanyichukwu, male, aged 26; and Francis Ugochukwu Nwosu, male, aged 28.

‘The operation, carried out by the Private Guard Companies Department, was aimed at curbing security threats, illegal possession of firearms, and preventing any form of violence or intimidation likely to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.

‘We are resolute in our commitment to providing a secure environment for the conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial election, slated for November 8, 2025.

‘We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Anambra State remains peaceful and secure.’

While reassuring the Command’s readiness not to be swayed by tactics of individuals pretending to be private security operatives in a bid to disrupt electoral process, Maku pledged continued enhancement of the Command’s robust security measures to stay ahead of individuals suspected of being used as political thugs.

‘The Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will take all necessary measures within its operational guidelines to counter and suppress any act that could potentially destabilize the peace enjoyed in the state.

‘Strengthened surveillance and enhanced intelligence gathering have been implemented by the Command to thwart any attempts by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to compromise the electoral process,’ he added.

Nigeria and its Nordic partners have pledged to deepen their collaboration across green energy, digital technology, health, and agriculture.

They also agreed to forge partnerships that promise sustainable impact for years to come.

They made this known at the conclusion of Nordic Nigeria Connect 2025 Business Forum held last week in Lagos under the thematic: ‘Forging Partnerships for Sustainable Impact’.

Organised by the Nordic Embassies in Nigeria and their Trade Offices, the forum, which was the fourth edition, provided a platform for government leaders, innovators, and private sector executives to explore collaboration across four critical sectors: green energy, digital technology, health innovation, and sustainable agriculture.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Samuel Egube, Enugu State Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, State Secretary for Trade and Investment for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Denmark H.E. Lina Gandløse Hansen and Deputy Minister for International Trade in Finland H.E. Jarno Syrjälä were part of dignitaries who attended the event.

Other significant Nordic dignitaries present included H.E. Johan Frisell, Deputy Director-General and Director for Africa at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, H.E. Sanna Selin; Ambassador-Designate of Sweden to Nigeria, H.E. Anna Westerholm; Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, H.E. Jens Ole Bach Hansen; and the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, H.E. Svein Baera.

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) have met to strengthen their efforts in improving safety and emergency response on Nigerian roads through the Motor Third Party Insurance Scheme.

A statement made available to journalists stated that this development follows a courtesy visit by the FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Muhammed to the Commissioner for Insurance Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin at NAICOM Headquarters.

During the meeting, NAICOM said, the Corps Marshal congratulated NAICOM on the signing of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 and acknowledged the Commission’s efforts in driving reforms in the industry.

‘He emphasised the need for enhanced data exchange between NAICOM and FRSC to develop a robust system for quick response to road accidents and compensation. The Corps Marshal also stressed the importance of digitising the process for prompt emergency response and eliminating fake motor insurance policies.

‘The Commissioner for Insurance, in his response, thanked the Corps Marshal for the visit and commended his efforts in upgrading the licensing system.

He highlighted that NIIRA 2025 has strengthened the compulsory third-party motor insurance policy and established a fund for compensating road accident victims, which will be administered by a committee that includes FRSC representation.

‘The Representative of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr. Ajodi Nuhu Nasir expressed profound satisfaction at the collaborative efforts among the agencies, noting that this synergy will culminate in a robust system that not only safeguards our roads but also ensures prompt and quality medical treatment for accident victims, thereby reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with road crashes.

The meeting culminated in agreements such as Data Sharing Integration where NAICOM and FRSC will integrate their data sharing systems to enable seamless information sharing; and Joint Awareness Campaign where the agencies will develop a joint awareness campaign strategy to educate the public on insurance benefits and road safety. Others are Enforcement Committee where a joint committee will be established to collaborate on enforcement of proper insurance coverage and address cases of fake insurance policies; and Inclusion of Insurance Requirements: FRSC will include insurance requirements, especially for valid third-party motor insurance, in its awareness and enforcement efforts’, the statement read.

The collaboration aims to promote road safety, ensure prompt treatment for accident victims, and protect the interests of motorists and other road users. A date will be announced for the inauguration of the joint committee.

Gunmen believed to be kidnappers have abducted 15 passengers between Obarenren Community and Idunwongie Community along the Benin-Akure highway.

The passengers were travelling in Hummer Bus marked KJA 119 XF.

All the 15 passengers were taken into the bush by the kidnappers.

But Deputy spokesman for the Edo Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said eight of the passengers including three children have been rescued unhurt.

Ikoedem said policemen from Ekiadolor Division were swiftly deployed to the scene.

She said the operatives pursued the kidnappers into the forest and successfully rescued eight victims, including three children, adding that the operatives were still in the bush to rescue the remaining eight passengers.

ASP Ikoedem said: ‘However, seven other passengers are still unaccounted for as efforts are intensely ongoing to locate and rescue them. An aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators is currently in progress, with a full complement of technological support to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims while the driver of the vehicle is assisting the police with investigation.

‘The Edo State Police Command assures the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring the safety of all residents and commuters within the state. Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation.

‘Anyone with useful information is encouraged to kindly contact our emergency Control Room Numbers 08077773721, 08037646272.’

The wife of of Ikeja Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Fausat Dauda, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to promoting quality education and nurturing academic excellence among pupils within the council area.

She made this known while addressing participants and guests at the preliminary stage of the 2025 Spelling Bee Competition, held at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, Ikeja, yesterday.

Mrs. Dauda described the Spelling Bee as ‘a remarkable platform designed by the Lagos State Government to showcase the spelling skills, intellect, and confidence of pupils and students across the state.’

She announced that the winner of the primary school category would serve as One-Day Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, while the first and second runners up would assume the positions of Vice Chairman and Leader of the Legislative Arm respectively.

‘It’s a way to motivate them and let them know that excellence comes with responsibility and recognition,’ she added.

According to her, the competition, which had been inactive for some time but is now fully restored, represents ‘a celebration of language, learning, and the incredible dedication of our young learners.’

She explained that the Spelling Bee serves as a preparatory ground for pupils to face future academic challenges, in line with the directives of the Office of Education Quality Assurance, under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

Mrs. Dauda noted that each of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across Lagos State is mandated to conduct the preliminary stage of the competition to select outstanding representatives for the state finals.

‘At Ikeja Local Government, we believe in transparency and objective representation. This is why our Education Department, in collaboration with the Quiz Team, visited each of the eight public primary schools to conduct the intra-school stage. The best three pupils from each school are the contestants you see here today,’ she said.

Mrs. Dauda urged the winners to give their best performances and embrace sportsmanship at the grand finale of the competition.

‘Not everyone can emerge as the winner. But every participant here today is already a champion. Those who do not win this time should take it in good faith, as greater opportunities will still come their way,’ she said.

She also used the occasion to highlight her husband’s administration’s recent educational support initiatives.

She recalled the ‘Back to School’ distribution exercise, during which school bags, notebooks, mathematical sets, and water bottles were given to pupils in public primary and junior secondary schools within the local government.

She explained that the gesture was part of efforts to cushion the effects of the current economic situation on parents, especially those of indigent pupils, and reaffirmed that more educational interventions were underway as dividends of democracy.

Mrs. Dauda expressed appreciation to teachers and education officers for their dedication to nurturing pupils and making the event a success, adding ‘We can see the impact of your hard work on these children. Beyond human appreciation, I believe the Almighty God will reward you abundantly.’

Miss Zainab Ismail, who emerged as the overall winner, said: ‘I feel good. My mummy gave me time to learn, and my auntie encouraged me.’

She thanked her family and teachers for their support and advised her colleagues to ‘keep studying hard and never give up.’

Nigeria is seeking partnership with Denmark’s richest man and Chief Executive Officer of Bestseller Group, Mr. Anders Holch Povlsen.

Yesterday, the President met with Povlsen, accompanied by Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Bach Hansen, at the Presidential Villa.

Other senior officials of the global fashion and philanthropy group were also on the delegation.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, writing on his X handle @aonanuga1956, the meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

The Bestseller Foundation, a private philanthropic arm funded by Denmark’s Bestseller A/S, focuses on driving social and environmental impact-particularly across West Africa-and supports entrepreneurs and ventures that combine social progress with sustainable financial outcomes.

Before the meeting with President Tinubu, Mr. Povlsen and his delegation were received by Gbajabiamila and Dr. Tijani at the State House.

A public presentation of two books may appear ordinary, as many books have been presented in the past by an author at a go. But, when such books are written by a police officer, Superintendent of Police Chidi Okoye, then such efforts are more than ordinary. It is simply a commendable feat.

Little wonder colleagues, relations and friends converged on Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos, recently to witness the unveiling of two books, The Syndicate Affairs and Checkmate by Chidi Okoye. It was organised by CO Books Enterprise and Solomon Arase and Associates. The books were not only educative and morally instructive, but also products of a fertile mind for analysis, reasoning and imagination as well as creativity.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone Two Command, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, who was impressed by Okoye’s efforts at documenting some of his major cases, said despite the 24/7 duty call, Okoye still found time to write such books.

‘He has been up and doing, improving himself, and he is a very versatile and deep investigator. My experience of him within the short period I had matters to do with him showed he is competent. Give him any matter to handle, he goes deeper into it and makes sure he unravels the mystery behind it,’ Fayoade said.

Recalling how Okoye who is Head, Zonal Quick Interventions Squad at Zone Two, started writing the books, Fayoade said: ‘When he approached me that he is writing a book, he gave me a copy of it to go through. I discovered that the book is a collection of some of the cases we had handled in the past. And you will find that those cases are very interesting, as he is able to bring out the criminal aspects of them. He is also able to bring out the major elements of those cases, as if he is a qualified lawyer. In fact, the way he wrote this book, you think he has been to the law school. That’s why I’m imploring him to enrol for a degree in law without wasting time.’

According to Fayoade, Okoye’s effort is a confirmation to the fact that police officers also have time to read and are deep in intellect unlike the impression people have about policemen.

‘This is an example of a police officer who is highly intellectual, who is an author, and has made us proud today. He has made Zone Two headquarters proud, made Nigeria Police proud, and we are very proud of him,’ he added.

Reviewer of one of the books, The syndicate Affairs, Art Editor and Deputy Editorial Board Chairman, Vanguard Newspaper, Dr. Osa Mbonu-Amadi, described the book as an expository narrative that reveals how people are framed sometimes for crimes and made to pay through their noses to prove their innocence.

He noted that Okoye maintains via his creative narrative, that ‘not every scandal is real. Some are fabricated for culprits to cash out. Sadly, some rogue officers smile to the bank through blackmails.’

‘The title of the book is apt. The cover is beautifully designed with props indicating the nature of the subject matter. Employing real settings such as police stations, headquarters, towns, and estates in Lagos makes the plot convincing as more of a faction than fiction. Speaking of the genre, it’s not certain whether the account of detective Dikko on pages 175 to 177 about his entanglements with Funmi should be classified as faction or pure fiction. ‘However, it is a smart way of cooling the tempo of the successive actions and letting the storyteller himself and the reader breathe. The chronicle of their intimate scene was also done with some level of decency, yet, you’ll know Dikko is a ‘bad boy’ in that field. But as grave as the subject matter is, it is commendable that the author sees the need to infuse some element of romance into the plot.

‘The crime novel is un-put-down-able. It is informative, educative, and generally makes an interesting read, he asserted. Professor of Public Law and Criminology, and Head, Dept. of Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Olugbenga Akingbehin, was the reviewer of the second book, Checkmate.

Chairman on the occasion, Chairman, Ailes Group, Chief Micheal Onuoha, described the author as a huge asset not only to the police, but also to the nation, adding that he would remain an inspiration to other officers and men of the force.

Chief Onuoha assured that he will continue to support the work of the author, believing that Nigeria will create true men of his kind.

Guests at the presentation included Hon. Lawal Pedro, The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Assistant Inspector General of Police Abutu Yaro Fdc (Rtd), The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Moshood Jimoh, Rev. Dubus Achufusi GO (Spiritual Father of the Day), CEO Chisco Group of Company, Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, (Father of the day), CEO Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, Catherine Uju Ifejika (Mother of the day), and Dr. Monday Oyekachi Ubani (SAN).

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Preparedness for the Single-Use Plastics Ban in Nigeria has proposed the introduction of a green tax on industries involved in the production of polypropylene – one of the most widely used materials in plastic manufacturing.

According to the committee, the move aims to tackle Nigeria’s growing plastic waste crisis and ensure that manufacturers bear responsibility for the environmental costs of their operations.

Speaking at the committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja, Chairman Hon. Terseer Ugbor (APC, Benue) said the House will also consider legislation to regulate polypropylene production and promote recycling as part of a broader national strategy to reduce pollution and protect public health.

Ugbor described plastic pollution as a growing menace, warning that the unchecked use of polypropylene-based products has placed enormous pressure on Nigeria’s already strained waste management systems.

‘Polypropylene’s environmental impact is substantial and disturbing,’ he said. ‘During production, it releases toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene, putting workers and nearby communities at risk. It is responsible for enormous carbon emissions and relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to resource depletion.

‘As waste, polypropylene isn’t biodegradable, it lingers in landfills for up to 500 years, polluting our oceans and harming marine life in the process.’

The lawmaker said the committee will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to design policy frameworks for the proposed green tax and integrate polypropylene recycling into the national waste management system.

‘Nigeria cannot afford to continue on this path of environmental neglect,’ Ugbor added. ‘Our industries must take responsibility for the ecological footprints they leave behind.

This committee will work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that sustainable, environmentally responsible solutions are not just recommended but implemented.’

Nigeria ranks among the top 20 countries globally contributing to marine plastic pollution. Studies by the World Bank and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimate that the country generates over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with less than 10 percent being recycled.

Major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are the worst affected, with clogged drainage systems and waterways littered with plastic waste contributing to frequent flooding and water contamination.

Environmental experts warn that improper disposal of polypropylene and other plastics contaminates soil, groundwater, and food sources, while burning plastic waste releases toxic emissions that worsen air quality and increase respiratory illnesses.

Only a few private firms currently engage in large-scale recycling, while the absence of a coherent national policy continues to hinder sustainable waste management efforts.

With the committee’s proposal, lawmakers hope to stimulate investment in recycling, strengthen enforcement of environmental standards, and align Nigeria’s waste management policies with global climate and sustainability goals.

Ugbor said the committee would also hold public hearings with manufacturers, recyclers, and environmental experts to ensure that any proposed levy or regulation is both effective and fair.

‘This is not about taxation,’ he emphasized. ‘It is about responsibility, sustainability, and protecting the future of our environment and our people.’