Oxfam Nigeria has raised serious concerns over the escalating environmental and public health risks posed by plastic pollution in the country.

The organisation warned that the combination of plastic waste and illegal constructions is increasingly obstructing the natural flow of water, thereby intensifying the devastating impact of climate-induced flooding nationwide.

The Climate Justice Manager at Oxfam, Dr Kenneth Akpan, disclosed this in Abuja, during a World Environment Day event, organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with Rural Women Energy Security (RUWES) Nigeria, with the theme “Together We Can Beat Plastic Pollution.”

He called on the federal government to ban single-use plastics and enforce producer accountability for the entire lifecycle of plastic products.

Akpan emphasised the urgent need for the government to move beyond rhetoric and implement existing environmental policies, particularly those related to plastic waste.

He also advocated for a circular economy model that emphasises recycling, reuse, and the creation of small-scale industries to manage plastic waste sustainably.

He said, “Oxfam in Nigeria and globally has been at the forefront of fighting what we call climate pollution, for we don’t just believe in creating awareness, but trying to solve the root cause of these plastic challenges.’

He lamented that, despite most plastic producers indicating the recyclability of their products, most people are unaware of how to do it.

“So our message is not just to save recycling, but to teach people how to recycle, where to recycle, and what modalities it is for people to recycle,” he added.

In his remarks, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal issued a stern warning about the unchecked use of single-use plastics, which he said contributes to both severe urban flooding and increasing public health concerns.

He called for collaborative action across all sectors to protect Nigeria’s waterways and mitigate the effects of extreme weather events.

Lawal said, “The Ministry is collaborating with key stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society to ensure that environmental policies translate into meaningful impact. However, we cannot do this alone.

“The fight against plastic pollution and other environmental challenges must be a people-oriented movement. This is a fight for the preservation of our ecosystems, the future of our children, and the survival of our dear planet.”

He warned that water, obstructed by plastic waste and illegal constructions, seeps into homes, farms, and public spaces, causing destruction.

Also speaking at the event was the acting director of Environment and Natural Resources at the ECOWAS Commission, who represented ECOWAS President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and reaffirmed the region’s commitment to a sustainable environment.

Bernard also drew attention to the health hazards of using plastics in everyday life, such as microwaving food in plastic containers, which he said can release cancer-causing hydrocarbons.

He said, “Over 80 per cent of this waste is poorly managed, harming health, ecosystems, and economies like fishing and tourism. ECOWAS adopted a regional regulation in 2023 to harmonise plastic product standards and promote best practices.

“Countries like Nigeria and Senegal are scaling up circular economy initiatives, while Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have introduced extended producer responsibility frameworks.”

The event also featured a quiz competition won by Community Secondary School, Asokoro, which received the Minister’s Cup and ₦500,000.

Other schools, including Government Junior Secondary School, Gwagwalada; School of Gifted Education, Gwagwalada; and Government Junior Secondary School, Angwan Dodo, secured second, third, and fourth positions, respectively.