Oxfam Nigeria has called on the federal government to enforce a ban on single-use plastics and hold producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of plastic products.
The organisation also advocated for a circular economy, encouraging recycling, reuse, and the development of small-scale industries to manage plastic waste.
Dr Kenneth Akpan, Climate Justice Manager at Oxfam and Climate Justice Youth Ambassador, made the appeal on the sidelines of a World Environment Day event in Abuja on Monday.
The event, organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with Rural Women Energy Security (RUWES) Nigeria, 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 Gwagalada, School of Gifted Gwagalada, and Government Junior Secondary School Angwan Dodo, secured second, third, and fourth positions, respectively.
Akpan stressed the need for government and private sector support to empower youth and small industries in recycling initiatives.
“Government must stand firm on policies and ensure their implementation,” he said, noting that many Nigerians lack knowledge on how and where to recycle despite labelling on products.
He urged manufacturers to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their plastic products and called for public education on waste segregation and recycling.
“Awareness is key, which is why we’re involving youth and school children in learning about the green and circular economy,” Akpan added.
Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal, speaking on the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution,” described plastic waste as an environmental, economic, and public health crisis.
“Plastic waste clogs our oceans, rivers, and drainage systems, endangering wildlife and causing flooding,” he said, linking blocked waterways to recurrent flooding across Nigeria.
Lawal warned that water, obstructed by plastic waste and illegal constructions, “finds its way” through homes, farms, and public spaces, causing destruction.
He urged collective action to preserve waterways and mitigate flooding.
H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, represented by Yao Bernard, Acting Director of Environment and Natural Resources, reaffirmed the region’s commitment to a sustainable environment.
He highlighted the health risks of heating plastics in microwaves, noting their hydrocarbon content as a potential cancer risk.
Under the theme “Together We Can Beat Plastic Pollution,” Bernard described plastic waste as a regional crisis, with West Africa generating nearly 8 million metric tonnes annually, a figure projected to rise by 52% in five years.
He said “Over 80% 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 has introduced extended producer responsibility frameworks.”
Bernard praised regional innovations and urged continued collaboration to tackle plastic pollution crisis, citing ECOWAS’ support for green industrialisation and environmental standards