The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called for stronger collaboration among Nigerians to combat the growing threat of plastic pollution.
The National Executive Council Chairman of the NCF, Justice Bukola Adebiyi, made the appeal at the organizations Annual Green Ball 2025 held in Lagos.
Adebiyi described plastic pollution as a “serious menace” requiring urgent collective action.
“Globally, about 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year. Daily plastic waste is estimated at 1.1 million tonnes, with roughly 50 per cent mismanaged and about one to two million tonnes entering the oceans annually,” she said.
She noted that Lagos alone generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, of which 15 to 20 per cent is plastic.
“We must join hands to tackle this problem,” she said.
Adebiyi stressed that advocacy and public education were key first steps, saying people must understand the crisis in order to help address it.
“We need to reduce single-use plastics as much as possible. You’ll be surprised at the number of plastic bottles generated just from drinking bottled water at home,” she said.
She urged Nigerians to sort their waste, recycle where possible, and participate in community cleanup activities. However, she cautioned that recycling was not a permanent solution due to high costs and the limited number of recycling companies, especially in Lagos.
“Be conscious and aware. Try to buy in bulk to minimize packaging. Advocate for legislation. And be mindful of personal care products — shampoos, creams and other items often come in excessive plastic packaging,” she said.
Adebiyi also advised households, particularly in Lagos, to purchase items in bulk and decant them into reusable glass containers.
She said pollution management remained a key pillar of the NCF’s 2025–2030 strategic plan.
“Please join us to stem this serious threat of plastic pollution which, if left unchecked, could overrun us,” she added.
Mrs Dame Fatayi-Williams, Chairperson of the NCF Business Development Committee, told journalists that climate change impacts were becoming more evident, stressing that the global south contributes less to the problem yet suffers greater consequences.
She commended the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment for ongoing efforts to clear drainage systems and tackle non-degradable waste.
“If he doesn’t address plastic waste and other non-degradable materials blocking our drainage channels, then he’s not fit for purpose. But he is doing the right thing by creating awareness and supporting bans where necessary,” she said.
NCF Director-General, Dr Joseph Onoja, said the Annual Green Ball serves as a platform to raise awareness and mobilize support for environmental protection.
He reiterated that the NCF cannot work alone and urged more partners and individuals to join efforts to safeguard nature and the environment.
