The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has stated that Nigeria faces significant challenges in managing plastic waste.

He said many cities and rural communities suffer from the burden of unchecked plastic pollution.

Speaking at the World Environment Day celebration in Abuja, Lawal stated that the challenges range from sachet water bags littering our streets to microplastics entering the food chain and causing public health concerns in the country.

He explained that this year’s theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” resonates with a global urgency, as plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue but also an economic and public health crisis.

“Every minute, plastic waste is being dumped into our oceans, rivers, and drainage systems, endangering wildlife and contributing to flooding in our urban centres. We’re committed to a cleaner, greener, and more resilient environment,” he said.

The minister declared, “In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, we have taken decisive steps to address plastic pollution at all levels by developing and implementing a National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, which provides a strategic framework for reducing plastic use, promoting recycling, and alternatives to single-use plastics.

Lawal said, “We are also supporting innovative circular economy models to drive recycling and promote plastic alternatives, especially across government ministries, departments, and agencies.”

“Together, we can work towards a Nigeria where our waterways are clean, our streets are free of plastic waste, and our ecosystems are protected for generations to come. I thank everyone for coming and for being a part of this historic event,” he added.

Also, Mrs. Alero Balogun of Oando Clean Energy Limited, in a goodwill message, stated that plastic pollution is no longer a distant threat but a daily reality, stressing that every year, over 400 million tons of plastic waste are generated globally, with only 10 per cent recycled.

She hinted that “in Nigeria, plastic litter clogs drains, pollutes waterways, chokes the soil, and endangers livelihoods, particularly in communities where environmental safeguards are weakest. But amidst this challenge lies a remarkable opportunity.”