The United Nations (UN) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts in combating plastic pollution as part of broader initiatives to promote sustainable environmental protection.
This pledge was made on Friday in Abuja by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Fall, during a keynote address at a one-day sensitisation campaign themed “Ending Plastic Pollution” held in commemoration of the 2025 World Environment Day.
The event was organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), and other partners.
Mr. Fall described plastic pollution as a crisis that demands urgent action, noting that the adoption of a UN resolution to curb plastic waste was a historic step toward safeguarding the environment.
“Every piece of plastic that litters our soil or blocks our waterways is a threat to ecosystems. More dangerous is microplastic—unfiltered and contaminating our food, health, and bodies,” he stated.
He noted that across various agencies, the UN is actively supporting Nigeria in transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth and job creation.
“UNDP is working to strengthen national and state-level capacity by promoting inclusive models. UNIDO is investing in environmentally friendly industrial solutions,” he added.
Mr. Fall also highlighted the UN’s collaboration with organisations such as Green Hub Africa and NES to scale up advocacy efforts focused on establishing a global treaty to end plastic pollution.
“Ending plastic pollution is not only an environmental imperative—it is a human right tied to health, dignity, and a sustainable future,” he concluded.
Programme Officer at the UNIDO Regional Office Hub in Abuja, Mr. Osu Otu, expressed concern over Nigeria’s ineffective waste management practices, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
He noted that plastic waste accounts for an estimated 13 percent of Nigeria’s total waste stream and, if properly managed, could become a driver for employment, private sector investment, and foreign direct investment.
“Effective plastic waste management will also drastically reduce plastic leakage into the environment,” he said.
President of the Nigerian Environmental Society, Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia, stated that the organisation has advanced beyond awareness campaigns to actively addressing environmental issues through research and targeted advocacy.
He pointed out that a key challenge in waste management lies in the gap between separation, collection, and final disposal, which hinders effective recycling efforts.
“What we now do is approach environmental issues more seriously, carry out research, and present our findings to the appropriate authorities. Our partnership with Green Hub Africa and UNIC has helped us push for concrete solutions to end plastic pollution,” Okobia stated.
