The Nigerian government has issued a call to action, urging citizens to collectively address environmental degradation, with a particular focus on combating plastic pollution.
Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Lawal, who stated this at the commemoration of World Environment Day held in Abuja, the nation’s capital, says the government is taking decisive steps to address plastic pollution at all levels.
“Let us make conscious choices and become ambassadors of environmental stewardship. Let this day serve as a wake-up call to all and be remembered as a turning point in our fight against the devastating effects of environmental pollution.
“Together, let us work toward a Nigeria where our waterways are clean, our streets are free of plastic waste, and our ecosystems are protected for generations to come,” he said.
The minister says the Nigerian government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to a cleaner, greener, and more resilient environment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, “The Federal Ministry of Environment has developed and is implementing a National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, which provides a strategic framework for reducing plastic use, promoting recycling, and encouraging innovation in alternatives to single-use plastics. We are also supporting innovative circular economy models to drive recycling and promote plastic alternatives, especially across government ministries, departments, and agencies.’’
Representative of President ECOWAS Commission, Mr Yao Bernard Koffi, said the ECOWAS Commission remains committed to working alongside member states to beat plastic pollution.
“The ECOWAS Vision 2050 identifies environmental sustainability as a pillar of inclusive development. Tackling plastic pollution is a test of our resolve to act together as governments, private sector actors, civil society, and citizens. To this end, a draft regional plastics management plan has been developed with support from the World Bank.” He stated.
The Ecowas Commission also called on all stakeholders in the region to invest in eco-innovation and plastic alternatives and support community-led waste management solutions.
UNICEF Nigeria Chief of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), Dr Jane Bevan, says UNICEF will continue to support the ministry’s ongoing efforts to engage more children and youth in environmental action and skill development programmes that are emerging, such as recycling plastic – reinforcing the message that waste is actually a resource.
Dr Bevan noted that UNICEF is committed to empowering young people as champions of sustainability.
“In 2023, at COP28, UNICEF launched the global Green Rising initiative, an ambitious campaign to empower 20 million children and young people to take climate action through volunteering, education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.”
“In Nigeria, we are proud to share that we have already recorded over 100,000 greun’actions by children and young people. These include tree planting and plastic waste management. water and electricity conservation, and, most importantly, community leadership to spread awareness and build climate resilience.” She said.
She also calls on the government, the private sector, civil society, development partners and community leaders to join hands in enabling children and young people to lead this movement.
Senior Vice President of Corporate Services at Oando Clean Energy Ltd (OCEL), Mrs Alero Balogun, said the organisation believes that solving the plastic problem is not just a technical challenge; it is a social imperative, an economic opportunity, and a climate necessity.
“It is why we proudly align with the mission of this year’s celebration and why we continue to support RUWES and other grassroots-led environmental initiatives across the country.” She said.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with ECOWAS @50 to mark the commemoration of World Environment Day 2025, with this year’s theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution”, being not only timely but also urgent.