Stakeholders in the environment sector have called for urgent and collective action to tackle plastic pollution in the state.
They said plastic pollution was a growing menace threatening public health, ecosystems, and sustainable development.
The stakeholders made the call at an event organised by Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo, to mark the 2025 World Environment Day.
In his address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to embrace the “Seven Rs of Plastic”, which are Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, and Recover.
According to him, adopting these habits can significantly reduce the country’s plastic footprint.
“This year’s World Environment Day reminds us that plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue but a public health emergency.
“We must refuse unnecessary plastics, reduce usage, and recycle more. Government alone cannot do it; we all must be involved,” the commissioner said.
Oshiomole linked the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including cancer and infertility, to plastic-related contamination of the environment.
He emphasised the impact of plastic waste on soil, plants, water, and aquatic life.
“This is a call to action for civil society, the media, researchers, law enforcement, and the legislature.
“If we amplify the message, people will see that plastic pollution affects everyone,” he added.
Earlier, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of the university, stressed the urgency for coordinated efforts, describing plastic pollution as a crisis with severe consequences for human health, biodiversity, and climate stability.
“Plastic production and waste disposal contribute massively to greenhouse gas emissions.
“If we do not act, emissions from plastics could reach over 56 gigatons by 2050; that is, 10 to 13 per cent of the global carbon budget,” he warned.
Ezemonye, who also serves as President of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN), disclosed that the institute had begun regulating the country’s environmental professionals.
He said this would ensure accountability, end reckless practices, and promote sustainable waste management.
“The IEPN is fully committed to addressing plastic waste.
“We appreciate the Federal Government’s policies – the National Plastic Waste Control Regulation of 2024, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme of 2023, and the single-use plastics ban.
“But the real change will come when individuals and institutions take ownership,” he said.
The vice-chancellor added that marine life was especially at risk from plastic waste, citing the estimated eight to 10 million tons of plastic entering oceans annually.
“Microplastics in the ocean can damage marine biodiversity and reduce photosynthesis, compounding climate change impacts,” Ezemonye explained.
Other speakers, including the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Mr Jude Ekpu, and Prof. Joseph Nmazi of Igbinedion University’s Faculty of Law, reinforced the message.
Ekpu and Nmazi called for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations and wider public education.
The duo emphasised the importance of promoting eco-friendly alternatives and reducing single-use plastics as steps toward a circular economy.
The World Environment Day 2025 marked annually on June 8, was commemorated under the theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution.”
The event served as a platform for advocacy, education, and the celebration of ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s environment for future generations.
NAN
