ActionAid says $10bn worth of plastic recycled in Nigeria
ActionAid Nigeria on Wednesday revealed that Nigeria’s circular economy in recycled plastics alone is already worth over $10 billion.
The Country Director, Andrew Mamedu who was represented by the Chair of the ActionAid Nigeria Young People’s Forum, Favour Ikpe noted that, in Lagos for instance, the recycling economy was worth ₦18 billion in 2021.
He added that about 80% of the city’s waste is collected informally.
Speaking at the ceremony to celebrate the World Environment Day with the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution Innovation Day”, said, “Nigeria alone generates over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, but less than 10% is recycled.”
According to him, “this is why Lagos’ decision to ban single-use plastics from July 1 is bold and necessary — and we’re calling on other states, and the National Assembly, to follow that lead.
“Just a few days ago, the world came together to reflect on the environmental crisis we’re facing.
” And while the official date has come and gone, our commitment to the planet and to each other must carry on because plastic pollution doesn’t take a day off.
“Let’s fund community-led efforts. Let’s create policies that empower young recyclers and scale up sustainable solutions.
“Plastic may be part of the problem — but with the right approach, it can also be part of the solution. If we rethink, reuse, and recycle, we can turn pollution into possibility.
“To do that, we must: Cut down drastically on single-use plastics, invest in recycling infrastructure, and support the brilliant young people already building solutions from the grassroots,” he added.
