Abuja, Nigeria | June 16, 2025
The United Nations (UN) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against plastic pollution, which remains a growing threat to the country’s environment and public health.
Speaking at an event to commemorate World Environment Day 2025 in Abuja, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale, lauded Nigeria’s recent steps in banning single-use plastics and advancing environmental policies aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
He assured the Federal Government of the UN’s continued technical and financial support to strengthen national and subnational initiatives to mitigate plastic pollution.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who was also present at the event, reiterated the government’s resolve to enforce the plastic ban in federal institutions and promote alternatives to plastic usage nationwide.
Environmental groups and civil society organizations at the event called for increased public awareness and grassroots involvement to drive behavioural change.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria generates over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with less than 10% recycled, making it one of the largest plastic waste producers in Africa.
The event concluded with a symbolic cleanup exercise and the launch of a new nationwide plastic waste management awareness campaign.
