The Lagos State government and Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) have renewed their call for citizens to embrace a circular economy and convert their waste to wealth.
Speaking at this year’s World Environment Day celebration, themed “Beat Plastic Pollution,” organised by NCF, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Titilayo Oshodi, urged Nigerians not to view plastic and other waste as environmental nuisances but as valuable economic resources.
The event brought together students from various schools and environmental advocates to champion the cause of sustainability. Oshodi said, “Plastic has transitioned from being mere waste into an object of value. It now drives commerce, innovation, and green technology. Waste, in all its forms from plastics to textiles to e-waste, can be transformed into tools for economic development and social equity.”
She revealed that Lagos generates over 13,000 tons of plastic waste yearly and 30,000 tons of total waste daily, as well as making significant strides in managing waste and creating livelihood opportunities through its various climate-focused initiatives such as Eco-Circulate, Charity Begins at Home, and Leave No One Behind programmes.
According to her, over 40,000 kilogrammes of waste has been diverted from landfills; more than 1,000 green jobs have been created, particularly for youth and women, while 2,000 kg were collected during the Lagos International Trade Fair; civil servants in the Alausa Secretariat reclaimed over 5,000 kg of recyclables under the Charity Begins at Home initiative and cook stove distribution is being launched to combat deforestation.
Oshodi highlighted the potential of waste-to-wealth initiatives to be integrated with transport and health incentives. “We are linking waste recovery to social benefits like discounted Cowry transport cards and health insurance policies through Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA). This is a clear demonstration that sustainability can be equitable and inclusive.”
She maintained that individuals must take responsibility for waste management, emphasising that plastic is one form of waste, there are also textiles, e-waste, organic matter, and packaging. “We must create eco-clubs in our churches, mosques, schools, and workplaces to promote sustainable living.”
NCF Director General, Dr Joseph Onoja, appealed to Nigerians to take personal responsibility in tackling plastic pollution. “The environment doesn’t need us—we need the environment. Microplastics are already making their way into our food systems, and we’re seeing health consequences such as cancer.
We must stop polluting our environment before it starts polluting us,” Onoja declared. He called on individuals to adopt best practices by refusing single-use plastic, and embracing recycling and reuse. “When someone throws plastic out of a moving luxury vehicle, it tells you that wealth doesn’t equal awareness. Real elitism is environmental responsibility.”
Onoja stressed that policy frameworks and corporate engagement are critical, adding that the fight against plastic pollution must begin with individual choices.
