By Joy Baba-Yesufu
The Federal Ministry of Environment, joined by key stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society, commemorated the 2025 World Environment Day in Abuja with a strong call for collective action to end plastic pollution.
This year’s theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution”, echoed the global urgency to address one of the most pressing environmental crises of our time.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Environment, Balaraba Abbas Lawal, affirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Plastic pollution is not merely an environmental concern. It is a public health threat and an economic burden. From sachet water bags clogging our drains to microplastics infiltrating our food chain, the impact is real and urgent.” he said.
He outlined the Federal Government’s strategic response through the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme, aimed at reducing single-use plastics, promoting recycling, and encouraging innovation in plastic alternatives. The Minister also acknowledged the invaluable support of development partners, particularly the ECOWAS Commission, for their leadership in addressing transboundary environmental issues.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mahmud Adam Kambari, welcomed participants and emphasized that World Environment Day is not just a symbolic event but a critical moment to galvanize national action. He reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to circular economy principles and regulatory reforms that reduce plastic dependency.
“This is a clarion call for sustainable change. Nigeria must invest in responsible consumption, robust policies, and community-led solutions to beat plastic pollution,” he said.
Highlights of the event was a goodwill message from Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), delivered in collaboration with the Rural Women Energy Security (RUWES) Initiative Nigeria.
Alero Balogun of OCEL Corporate Services shared progress on its PET Bottle Recycling Project in Ogun State, a landmark initiative with a monthly capacity of processing 2,750 metric tons diverting over 100 million PET bottles from landfills and waterways each month.
“Solving plastic pollution is not just a technical challenge—it is a social imperative, an economic opportunity, and a climate necessity,” said the OCEL representative. “Our goal is to turn waste into wealth and empower women and communities, especially in underserved areas.” she noted.
She further said the project not only tackles environmental waste but also generates sustainable jobs, fosters micro-enterprise, and strengthens local supply chains in alignment with UNEP’s global mandate and RUWES’ grassroots vision.
