By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal has affirmed commitment to support innovative circular economy models to drive recycling and to promote plastic alternatives at all levels across government ministries, departments and agencies.
He said this is a decisive steps taken by government to address plastic pollution at all levels.
Lawal made this known during the celebration of 2025 world environment day tagged “Together, We Can Beat Plastic Pollution,”
He encouraged Nigerians to 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”.
He said every passing minute, plastic waste finds its way into our oceans, rivers, and drainage systems, threatening wildlife and contributing to severe flooding in our urban areas.
The minister explained that plastic pollution is not merely an environmental hazard, it has become an economic and public health emergency.
“From sachet water bags scattered across our streets to micro-plastics infiltrating our food chain.”
He said that the impacts are felt in both our cities and rural communities, posing serious risks to public health and the environment.
He said “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 emphasized.
The minister explained that Nigeria 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.
He reiterated that “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.
Also, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Massandje Toure-Litse said the ECOWAS Commission remains committed to working alongside member states to beat plastic pollution.
Toure-Litse representative by Yao Bernard Koffi, said “The ECOWAS vision 2050 identifies environmental sustainability as a pillar of inclusive development”.
She said “Tackling plastic pollution is a test of our resolve to act together as governments, private sector actors, civil society, and citizens.
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.
Senior Vice President Corporate Services Oando Clean Energy Alero Balogun said, Plastic pollution is no longer a distant threat, it is a daily reality.
“Every year, over 400 million tons of plastic waste are generated globally with only 10% recycled. And unless we act, this figure is set to double by 2040 (Source: UN, securesustain).
“In Nigeria, plastic litter clogs our drains, pollutes our waterways, chokes our soil, and endangers livelihoods, particularly in communities where environmental safeguards are weakest but amidst this challenge lies a remarkable opportunity”, she said .
Alero said today, we are not just here to raise awareness — we are here to spark real change. at OCEL, we see plastic pollution not merely as a technical issue, but as a pressing social obligation, a chance for economic growth, and a crucial part of climate action.
