Esther Salifu
The Federal Ministry of Environment has raised alarm over the growing threat of plastic pollution, describing it as not just an environmental concern but a pressing economic and public health crisis.
This warning came during Nigeria’s commemoration of World Environment Day 2025, marked with a high-level event in Abuja.
The celebration, themed “Ending Plastic Pollution,” drew together government officials, international development partners, civil society groups, and young environmental advocates to advance the country’s sustainability goals.
Speaking at the event, the Minister emphasized that, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government is taking decisive action to curb plastic waste, which continues to choke drainages, pollute waterways, harm biodiversity, and infiltrate the Environment.
“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue it is an economic and public health crisis.
“Every minute, plastic waste is dumped into our oceans, rivers, and drainages, contributing to flooding, harming biodiversity, and entering our food chain. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are taking decisive steps to address this challenge at all levels.”
“Let this World Environment Day be a turning point,”
“Together, we can beat plastic pollution and build a cleaner, healthier Nigeria for future generations,” the minister concluded.
He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle the crisis, including the implementation of the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme, which requires producers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of plastic products.
The government is also promoting a circular economy and exploring sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
“This is a fight for our ecosystems, our children’s future, and the survival of our planet. We must act decisively and together,” he urged.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mahmud Adam Kambari, called for urgent action to address the visible impact of plastic waste in both urban and rural communities.
“Plastic pollution clogs our waterways, contaminates our food systems, and endangers public health,” Kambari noted.
“This commemoration goes beyond symbolism—it is a clarion call to intensify our collective efforts.”
Kambari reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening regulatory frameworks, encouraging innovation, and raising public awareness about responsible consumption.
Adding a global and generational perspective, Dr. Jane Bevan, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, spotlighted the heightened vulnerability of children to climate and environmental shocks, including plastic waste-related hazards.
“UNICEF research shows that Nigeria is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, especially for children. But they are also our greatest hope, driving community action and environmental leadership,” she said.
Dr. Bevan announced the expansion of UNICEF’s Green Rising initiative, which has empowered over 100,000 young Nigerians in climate actions such as tree planting, waste management, and conservation.
She revealed that the initiative will soon scale up nationwide through the Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA) platform, allowing young people to track and receive recognition for their contributions.
“Every plastic bottle collected, every tree planted, every youth mobilized counts,” she added.
The event also featured exhibitions and panel discussions showcasing innovations in recycling, plastic alternatives, and youth-led environmental action. Development partners including the ECOWAS Commission were commended for their continued support on regional environmental governance.
Representative of ECOWAS Bennard Kofi explained that there is a need for collective action to protect the environment and secure a sustainable future
“Let us rise to this moment. Let us protect our environment. Let us secure our common future together.”
