The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called on Lagos residents to hold manufacturers accountable for their packaging choices to help eliminate single-use plastics less than 40 microns in the state.
The Chairman of the NCF National Executive Council, Justice Bukunola Adebiyi, made the appeal on Saturday after the 19th Annual 7km Walk for Nature held in collaboration with the Lagos State Government (LASG), the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, and Chevron Nigeria Ltd.
The walk, themed “Lagos, Let’s Beat Plastic Pollution,” commenced at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH).
Adebiyi urged residents to take active roles in tackling plastic pollution by embracing recycling and responsible consumption.
“Opt for reusable bags and bottles. Separate your waste to keep plastics aside and support recycling initiatives.
Buy items in bulk to reduce small plastic packaging.
In this age of social media, tag manufacturers and demand they change how they package products.
Speak up and be advocates for the environment. Let’s build a Lagos where plastic pollution is a thing of the past,” she said.
She stressed that Lagos must lead the way in addressing plastic waste, describing plastics as the most common form of pollution in the state.
“Plastics that escape into our environment often find their way into our food systems, harming our health and increasing the risks of inflammation, tissue damage, and cancer,” Adebiyi warned.
She commended YABATECH for its collaboration, describing the partnership as proof of what could be achieved when academic institutions join the movement for a cleaner and healthier Lagos.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, said the theme of this year’s event was both urgent and inspiring, as it addressed one of the state’s biggest environmental challenges — plastic waste.
“Across the world, plastic pollution has become a silent crisis. It clogs drains, pollutes waterways, threatens marine life, and undermines our quest for a sustainable future.
As a coastal megacity, Lagos must remain at the forefront of efforts to reverse this trend,” he said.
Citing data, he noted that Nigeria generates about 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with Lagos accounting for roughly 870,000 tonnes, of which less than 12 per cent is recycled.
Sanwo-Olu said the state government had taken bold steps to combat the problem.
“Earlier this year, we began enforcing the ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam containers to curb littering and drainage blockages.
Through the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), we have strengthened waste collection, introduced the Blue Box Programme for waste separation at source, and expanded waste-to-wealth initiatives,” he said.
He added that the state had implemented the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy, requiring manufacturers to take responsibility for recovering and recycling their plastic packaging.
“Our Environmental Marshals are now better equipped to enforce sanitation laws, with stiffer penalties for illegal dumping.
We have also increased investments in recycling infrastructure, public awareness campaigns like Walk for Nature, and community clean-up exercises,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu commended the NCF for its long-standing commitment to environmental protection and collaboration with the Lagos State Government.
“The Walk for Nature symbolises unity and shared purpose — a growing movement toward responsible consumption, circular economy practices, and a mindset of preservation rather than pollution,” he said.
Speaking with journalists, Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director-General of the NCF, said environmental protection was a shared responsibility.
“This annual advocacy walk with LASG and partners like Chevron helps mobilise people to take action. This year’s theme, Beat Plastic Pollution, aligns with the World Environment Day message,” Onoja said.
He noted that while there is currently no permanent solution to single-use plastics, individuals must adopt responsible usage and recycling habits to prevent environmental harm.
“If we continue at this rate, there may soon be more plastics than fish in our oceans.
If we cannot refuse plastic entirely, we must ensure we recycle it. Everyone must get involved — the environment takes care of itself only when we take care of it,” he added.
During the event, recycling bins were donated to YABATECH as part of efforts to promote waste segregation and recycling culture among students.
Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Mr. Mahmood Adegbite, representatives of corporate partners, and other environmental stakeholders.
