From Our Correspondent
Lagos, Aug. 11, ’25 (TNZ) Global momentum is building for stronger controls on toxic plastic chemicals as the Plastics Treaty negotiations approach their scheduled conclusion on Thursday, Aug. 14.
TheNewsZenith reports that talks, held at an international level, have seen over 80 countries, mostly from the African negotiating bloc.
They endorsed a proposal by Switzerland and Mexico to include global safeguards for human health.
Delegates widely share concerns about the harmful health impacts of plastic chemicals. Many of them called for a legally binding mechanism to regulate hazardous substances worldwide.
Last Friday’s stocktake plenary marked a pivotal moment, as delegates and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) (INC-5.2) Chairman pushed for a voting mechanism to bypass consensus hurdles created by oil and plastics-producing countries.
TheNewsZenith reports that negotiations have stalled over the years, resulting in mounting frustration among ambitious countries seeking progress.
African negotiators remain resolute, advocating for strong protections despite the impasse and procedural roadblocks.
Negotiators attributed the slow pace toward agreement to obstruction from a small number of oil-producing nations.
These nations have used consensus-based processes to block majority support for treaty clauses that protect health and the environment.
IPEN and SRADeV Nigeria have urged the adoption of voting procedures from previous multilateral environmental agreements when consensus cannot be reached.
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TheNewsZenith reports that IPEN means In-Person Electronic Notarisation. It is a type of electronic notarisation where the document signer and the notary physically meet in person, but the document being notarised is in electronic format.
Similarly, Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria) is a professional, non-governmental, non-profit think tank in environmental health research and development, advocacy and action organisation.
They warn that the talks remain mired in “over-bloated text” and divergent views, threatening the Treaty’s successful outcome.
The Switzerland-Mexico proposal seeks an article outlining global regulation of hazardous plastic chemicals, calling for transparent traceability and legally binding obligations, aligning with the successful Stockholm and Basel Conventions.
Nevertheless, IPEN suggests the approach should be broadened to consider toxicity throughout the entire plastic life cycle.
TheNewsZenith reports that stakeholders, including scientists and affected communities, have been excluded from the closed negotiations.
This is raising concerns about transparency and inclusivity. IPEN insists that meaningful participation is vital for an effective Treaty that fulfils its health protection mandate.
“We stand committed to holding negotiators accountable for a Plastics Treaty that achieves the health protections we all need and deserve,” Dr Leslie Adogame, the chairman of IPEN participating organisation, said. (TNZ)
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