The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), in partnership with the Ford Foundation, has urged the Federal Government to introduce policies mandating supermarkets to channel proceeds from plastic bag charges into climate financing.
The NCF Director-General, Dr Joseph Onoja, made the call on Saturday at a youth-focused climate event in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. Onoja was represented by the NCF Programme Development Manager, Mr Joshua Danzi.
Onoja said climate change was already reshaping Nigeria’s environment, affecting farmlands, waterways and coastal communities.
He noted that although many supermarkets and restaurants now charge customers for plastic bags, there is no structured government mandate on how the funds should be utilized.
“These charges should not just serve as revenue for businesses. They must be directed into climate financing or environmental sustainability projects. Nigeria, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, must ensure that every effort contributes to long-term climate solutions,” he said.
He stressed that Nigeria needs structured policies—especially on plastic usage—to strengthen climate financing and secure environmental sustainability for future generations.
Onoja also highlighted the importance of grassroots engagement in tackling plastic pollution.
The collaboration with the Ford Foundation, he explained, aims to make climate education more relatable, particularly for young people in vulnerable communities. He reiterated the need for stronger national policies to address plastic pollution.
The event, organised to inspire young environmental advocates through sports, art and creative expression, was part of activities marking the Ford Foundation’s 65th anniversary.
It brought together schoolchildren, teachers, community leaders and environmental advocates for interactive sessions designed to deepen awareness of climate change and empower young people as frontline voices in climate justice.
A climate advocate, Mr Shittu Usman, delivered a detailed presentation on the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity, rising fire outbreaks and their links to global warming.
Student voices featured prominently during the programme, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis.
Mr Kasheen Abdulrasheed of Community Junior High School, Ibeju-Lekki, urged young people to take proactive steps to protect the environment, beginning with reducing plastic waste.
Miss Elizabeth Lawal of Magbon Alade Junior Grammar School, Ibeju-Lekki, called on policymakers to stop deforestation, protect forests and oceans, and enforce regulations on waste disposal.
Students from Refiners School, Lekki, presented “The Cry of the Waters,” a compelling narrative on marine pollution and community responsibility.
The competitive segments added energy to the programme.
Miss Annu Akinwalere of Magbon Alade Junior Grammar School described the outreach as transformative, saying it helped students understand climate issues more clearly and inspired them to take action.
