Nigerian Conservation Foundation Calls for Collective Action to Tackle Plastic Pollution

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called for urgent collective action against the growing threat of plastic pollution in the country. The plea was made during the NCF’s Annual Green Ball 2025, where leaders and environmental advocates gathered to discuss solutions and raise awareness about the escalating environmental crisis.

According to reports from the NCF, Justice Bukola Adebiyi, Chairperson of the NCF National Executive Council, described plastic pollution as a global menace that must be addressed immediately. “Globally, about 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year,” Adebiyi said at the event. “It is estimated that around 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste is generated daily, with a significant portion—nearly 50%—mismanaged. Each year, one to two million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans.”

In Lagos, it is reported that the city generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, with plastic making up 15 to 20 percent of the total waste. Adebiyi stressed the importance of addressing this growing problem, urging citizens to take collective responsibility for their role in waste management.

Adebiyi emphasized that education is the first step in tackling plastic pollution, highlighting the need to raise awareness and empower individuals to act. “We must become more mindful of the single-use plastics we consume daily, especially plastic bottles,” she stated. “You may be surprised by how much plastic waste you generate from something as simple as drinking bottled water at home.”

It is understood that while recycling can help reduce plastic waste, it is not a permanent solution, particularly as not all plastics are recyclable, and the cost of recycling remains high. “In Lagos, we face an additional challenge in that there are not enough recycling companies to handle the waste properly,” Adebiyi explained. “Recycling efforts will only be effective if the waste is sorted appropriately.”

According to Adebiyi, the key to reducing plastic pollution lies in both individual and collective efforts. She encouraged Nigerians to participate in local cleanup events, adopt bulk-buying practices to minimize packaging waste, and advocate for stronger regulations surrounding plastic use. 

The NCF Director-General, Dr. Joseph Onoja, noted that the Annual Green Ball serves as an important platform to bring together partners in the fight for environmental protection. Additionally, Mrs. Dame Fatayi-Williams, the Chairperson of the NCF Business Development Committee, pointed out that urgent action is needed to confront climate change and its impacts. Fatayi-Williams also praised the efforts of the Lagos Commissioner for Environment, who has been instrumental in clearing drains and raising awareness about the dangers of plastic waste. “The commissioner is doing the right thing by addressing these issues head-on,” she said.

Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges worldwide. According to the World Economic Forum, it is estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish, by weight. In Nigeria, the rapid population growth and industrialization make plastic waste management even more critical. Experts agree that while recycling infrastructure is improving, the public must take a more active role in reducing plastic consumption and supporting waste management efforts.

Local government initiatives, such as those being led by the Lagos Commissioner for Environment, are key steps in the right direction. However, it is understood that a more coordinated approach—encompassing government, businesses, and citizens—is essential for long-term progress. While efforts to ban non-degradable plastics and clean drainage systems are beneficial, stronger legislative measures and greater public awareness are necessary to tackle the root causes of plastic pollution.

The call for action made by the NCF underscores the urgent need for collective responsibility in combating plastic pollution. With continued education, better waste management practices, and stricter regulations, Nigeria can move towards a more sustainable future.

Source: Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF)

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Tackling plastic pollution requires collective action from all sectors of society, including citizens, government, and businesses, to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for Nigeria.