The need for dedication to eliminating plastic pollution across Nigeria has again being brought to the fore. This commitment aligns with global efforts to address the escalating plastic crisis, which poses significant environmental, economic, and health risks.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, made this known at the commemoration of 2025 World Environment Day held in Abuja with the theme 'Ending Plastic pollution'.
The Minister assures that the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is committed to a cleaner, greener, and more resilient environment
"In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are taking decisive steps to address plastic pollution at all levels. 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."
The Minister informed that the ministry is supporting innovative circular economy models to drive recycling and promote plastic alternatives, especially across government ministries, departments, and agencies.
" The Ministry is collaborating with key stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society to ensure that environmental policies translate into meaningful impact."
Earlier in her goodwill Message, the SVP, Corporate Services, Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), Alero Balogun noted that plastic pollution is no longer a distant threat but a daily reality.
"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.
"At OCEL, we believe that solving the plastic problem is not just a technical challenge. It is a social imperative, an economic opportunity, and a climate necessity. It is why we proudly align with the mission of this year’s celebration and why we continue to support RUWES and other grassroots-led environmental initiatives across the country.
In line with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP’s) global mandate and RUWES’ local vision, OCEL’s flagship contribution to tackling plastic pollution is our PET Bottle Recycling Project in Ogun State.
The project, according to Balogun, is designed to be a centre of innovation and impact, with a processing capacity of 2,750 metric tons of PET plastic per month. To put it in perspective, this translates to over 100 million PET bottles being diverted from landfills and open environments every month.
" Instead of polluting our lands and rivers, these materials will be transformed into valuable raw materials for new products, fueling a truly circular economy.
But we are not stopping at recycling alone. This facility will also create sustainable jobs, build local supply chains, and empower micro-entrepreneurs, many of whom we hope will be women, women from communities like those served by RUWES.
"Our vision is to transform what was once considered waste into wealth, dignity, and opportunity for thousands of Nigerians."
The Managing Director Zoomlion Nigeria Limited, Habiba Abubakar, stressed that Zoomlion Nigeria vision goes beyond waste management. It is rooted in environmental protection, innovation, and inclusive growth.
"We firmly believe that addressing plastic pollution requires a people-driven and gender-inclusive approach. That is why we are committed not only
to tackling plastic waste head-on, but also to empowering women as champions of environmental transformation.
"Across our operations, we support women through employment in recycling and waste recovery,
technical training in sustainable practices, and inclusive participation in decision-making processes within the circular economy. We recognize that women are vital actors in driving
community awareness and fostering behavioural change around plastic use and disposal.
As part of their strategy, the group will launch community sensitization programs across Lagos and other states, providing both economic opportunities for women and youth.
"We also collaborate with state governments, private sector partners, and NGOs to promote plastic alternatives and sustainable practices.
Zoomlion Nigeria remains a strong advocate for policies and partnerships that align with the global commitment to beat plastic pollution. We stand ready to work with all stakeholders here today to build a cleaner, greener Nigeria, where plastic waste becomes a resource, not a burden, and where women are empowered to lead the charge in environmental innovation."
UNICEF Nigeria chief of WASH, Jane Bevan, the theme, "Ending Plastic Pollution," is not onty limely but urgent.
"The climate crisis is fundamentally a children's and national crisis. Across Nigeria, children and youth-especially those in vulnerable communities-face the harsh consequences of environmental degradation and plastic pollution.
"UNICEF research shows that Nigeria is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world-particularly for children and young people, Rising temperatures, devastating floods, and prolonged droughts are already impacting their health, education, and futures. Yet, they are also our greatest hope-driving change through innovation, action, and mobilizing their communities.
Bevan informed that UNICEF is committed to empowering young people as champions of sustainability.
"In 2023, at COP28, UNICEF launched the global Green Rising initiative an ambitious campaign to empower 20 million children and young people to take climate action through volunteering, education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
"In Nigeria, we are proud to share that we have already recorded over 100,000 green 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."
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