By Abubakar Yunusa
Youth activists under the banner of the Climate Justice Youth Ambassadors (CJYA), an initiative of Oxfam Nigeria, have taken to the streets of Abuja to demand a total ban on single-use plastics.
The peaceful demonstration, which start at Jabi Airport Junction ends at Jabi lake,in Abuja, saw young campaigners carrying colourful placards with slogans like “Plastic no dey digest, e dey kill sea animal and you”, and “Na time to stop am”, highlighting the urgency of the crisis.
Speaking to journalists during the event, Lauretta Boniface, National Coordinator of CJYA, called for bold government action.
“What we are saying is that we are calling for a complete ban on single-use plastics,” Boniface said.
“Many people don’t realise how harmful plastics are, not just to the environment, but to human health—even to newborn babies.”
She raised concerns about microplastics, which result when plastic breaks down into tiny particles.
“These particles end up in our food and drinking water, especially when we use plastic containers in microwaves,” she explained.
The environmental advocate described plastic pollution as a growing crisis that no community is immune to.
“It started as innovation—packaging and showcasing—but now it has become obscene,” Boniface said.
“It’s everywhere. And single-use plastics, in particular, are difficult to recycle.”
Dr Kenneth Akpan, Climate Justice Projects Coordinator for Oxfam Nigeria, echoed similar concerns, noting the link between plastic waste and environmental hazards like flash flooding.
“Plastics clog our drainage systems, leading to floods. People have died as a result,” Dr Akpan said.
“The environment is deteriorating, and it’s time to act.”
He emphasised the need for more than just individual awareness.
“We want to hold governments and plastic-producing companies accountable,” he said.
“It’s not enough to tell people to recycle. We need proper systems, infrastructure, and education on how and where to recycle.”
Dr Akpan called for a shared responsibility between the public and private sectors in tackling the plastic crisis.
“This is not just a citizen issue.It’s a duty for companies and government alike to ensure plastics are managed from production to end-of-life,”he added.
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