FG seeks collective action against plastic pollution
Omeiza Bilal
The Federal government has urged citizens to collectively address environmental degradation, with particular focus on combating plastic pollution.
Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Lawal, who stated this at the commemoration of World Environment Day in Abuja, said the government is taking decisive steps to address plastic pollution at all levels.
The event organised by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with ECOWAS @50 to mark the World Environment Day 2025, said, “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.”
The event had as its theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution”
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, emphasized that 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 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,” he said.
