Environmental groups and a Nigerian university have called for urgent and collective action to address the escalating plastic pollution crisis in the country, which poses a threat to environment, public health, and ecosystems.

At a forum held recently to commemorate the World Environment Day, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), academics, students and private sector stakeholders emphasised the need for policy reforms, community-based recycling initiatives, and investment in circular economy models to curb plastic waste, which continues to choke cities and waterways.

Stakeholders at the event themed “Beat Plastic Pollution”, organised by the Environmental and Economic Resource Centre (EERC), expressed concern about the ripple effects of plastic pollution, which contribute to flooding, damage drainage systems, and increase public health hazards.

EERC’s Programme Manager and Agronomist, Ronke Adeniyi, emphasised the urgent need for joint efforts to address environmental challenges. She said plastic pollution, especially from single-use plastics, is not just an environmental threat but an impetus for life-threatening crises such as flooding, climate change, and public health emergencies. “Blocked drainage systems caused by plastic waste are mainly responsible for flooding that affects homes, schools, businesses, and road infrastructures. If not addressed urgently, it will continue to set us back as a nation.”

Adeniyi said the consequences of plastic pollution are no longer futuristic but can be seen daily through environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. She highlighted the need for a collective effort and shared responsibility from individuals, communities, industries, and governments in addressing plastic pollution.

EERC advocated the adoption and localisation of successful strategies from other regions, such as Rwanda’s nationwide ban on single-use plastics and the European Union’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, which holds producers accountable for recycling and managing plastic waste.

“We strongly believe that government agencies, civil society organisations, private investors, and individuals can collaborate and expand innovative recycling initiatives, promote eco-friendly alternatives, and advance circular economy solutions.”

EERC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable environmental practices through a multifaceted approach that includes advocacy, evidence-based research, mentorship, and training of early-career researchers and scientists for green jobs.

IN a related development, the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) has stressed the need for urgent and sustained action to tackle plastic crisis in cities, rural communities and ecosystems.

CEMESO Executive Director, Akin Akingbulu, observed that urban centres are facing mounting plastic waste that clogs waterways and contributes to flooding and public health crises.

He acknowledged recent steps taken by the government, such as the adoption of the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, and nationwide ban on single-use plastics, and the push for Extended Producer Responsibility to hold manufacturers accountable.

To this end, he urged the Federal Government to enforce the single-use plastics ban and expand support for recycling and circular economy initiatives. He said the state and local governments must invest in waste management infrastructure and public education campaigns, while the media amplify environmental education and promote behavioural change.

MEANWHILE, the KolaDaisi University, Ibadan (KDU-I) has entered a strategic partnership with Seven-Up Bottling Company Ltd to spearhead strategic environmental awareness programmes.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adeniyi Olatunbosun (SAN), disclosed this during a multi-disciplinarysensitisation colloquium on the environment for the staff and students of the university.

The colloquium was convened by the Acting Head of Department of Private and Commercial Law, Dr Temilade Jolaosho. The discussants included Jolaosho, Mrs Ebunoluwa Osisanwo of the Department of Public and International Law, Dr Mojisola Karigidi of the Department of Biological Sciences and Law Dean of the university, Prof. Kazeem Amusa. They all urged Nigerians to imbibe an environment- friendly attitude.

Olatunbosun, said the purpose of the partnership is to promote environmental awareness, sustainability and a mutually beneficial plan that would see the company facilitate environmental management awareness programmes.

He said, “This is going to be a symbiotic form of advantage because it will offer the students both the insight of theoretical knowledge, as well as the industrial aspect, which is more of a practical. They also plan to establish a recycling and upcycling initiative.

“We are going to separate plastic waste from other forms of biodegradable waste. We are going to bring in some machines and a simulator to compress the waste. The company also promised to light up our campus with a waste bin to draw awareness, and help us build a cafeteria and students’ arena.”

The vice chancellor urged Nigerians to change their attitude towards the environment and imbibe environmentally friendly attitudes, especially with plastic products by disposing of them properly.

In his remark, the Line Manager of Seven-up Bottling Company, Ibadan Plant, Godfrey Ononiba, warned that plastic pollution posed dangers to the environment. He urged Nigerians to embrace the safe use of plastic.