The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Seriake Dickson, has thrown his weight behind the Accelerating Pan-Nigerian Plastic Action for a Pollution-Free Africa (APAPPA) Initiative, aimed at unlocking $20 billion in circular economy and climate finance investment opportunities for Nigeria.
Dickson noted that the APAPPA Initiative not only reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to the Global Plastic Action Plan but also demonstrates its determination to lead Africa in implementing bold, actionable climate solutions.
The Bayelsa-born lawmaker described the initiative as a game-changer that will strengthen the economy, empower the youth, and safeguard the country’s environment.
The Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Senator Ireti Kingibe, who spoke in the same vein, stressed the initiative’s significance, stating, “Through the APAPPA Initiative, we have a unique opportunity to transform how we manage plastic waste and build a circular economy.
“It is a timely and strategic intervention that not only addresses the environmental crisis but also creates jobs, fosters innovation, and showcases Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development. This, I believe, symbolizes a clear path forward for our nation’s ecological and economic prosperity.”
She added that the ambitious project aims to redefine Nigeria’s approach to plastic pollution and climate finance through innovative and inclusive solutions, with a long-term goal of addressing critical environmental challenges, fostering economic empowerment, and positioning Nigeria as a global leader in climate-smart innovation.
According to her, the APAPPA Initiative is a Circular Economy and Climate Change Innovation, Empowerment, and Eco-finance Accelerator designed to combat plastic pollution, mobilize investments, and create a sustainable pathway for Nigeria’s net-zero transition.
She stressed that by harnessing the power of community-driven action and innovative financing, APAPPA is on track to catalyze a nationwide movement toward environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
“Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy and a critical stakeholder in global climate action, is at a pivotal juncture. With plastic pollution and climate-related challenges threatening public health, ecosystems, and economic stability, the APAPPA Initiative offers a strategic action plan. This initiative aligns with the Global Plastic Action Plan and builds on international frameworks to advance Nigeria’s leadership in sustainable development,” she noted.
The Lead Climate Finance and Circular Economy Advisor to the APAPPA Initiative, Mr. Wilkinson Agih, described the initiative’s potential, saying, “APAPPA represents a paradigm shift in how Nigeria addresses climate challenges.”
He added that by integrating innovation, empowerment, and eco-finance, APAPPA is not only addressing plastic pollution but also unlocking unprecedented economic opportunities that will redefine Nigeria’s development trajectory.
The APAPPA Initiative calls on all stakeholders—government, businesses, communities, and international partners—to join hands in this transformative journey. Together, we can drive impactful change, ensuring a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous Nigeria for future generations.
Key Highlights of the APAPPA Initiative include youth Empowerment and Job Creation, as over 6 million climate-smart youth leaders across communities in Nigeria would be mobilized to participate in the project.
APAPPA will recycle 6 million tonnes of PET annually. This effort is expected to generate significant employment opportunities while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
By transforming waste into wealth, APAPPA aims to generate $2 billion in green marketplace revenue monthly, establishing Nigeria as a regional hub for circular economy innovation and eco-finance leadership.
APAPPA’s ‘Clean2Green’ Cities Volunteers Marshall Advocacy program will activate community-driven solutions for plastics circularity, bridging the gap between citizens, businesses, and government in the fight against plastic pollution.
APAPPA positions Nigeria as a frontrunner in implementing the Global Plastic Action Plan and achieving sustainable development goals, fostering partnerships that amplify its impact on a global scale.
