Plastic Pollution: UN Promises Continued Support to Nigeria in Tackling Scourge

Plastic Pollution: UN Promises Continued Support to Nigeria in Tackling Scourge

By: Michael Mike

United Nations (UN) has promised to continue to support Nigeria’s efforts at tackling plastic pollution to bolster sustainable environmental protection.

The promise was given on Friday in Abuja by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohamed Fall, while presenting a keynote address at one-day sensitization campaign themed: “Ending plastic pollution” to commemorate the 2025 World Environment Day.

The event was organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) and other partners.

Fall said plastic pollution is at crisis level, noting that the passing of the UN resolution to curb plastic pollution marked historic steps towards protecting the environment.

He added that: “Every piece of plastic that litter our soil or blocks our waterways is threatening ecosystem. More dangerous is microplastic that is unfiltered contaminating our food, health and our bodies.

“Across our agencies, the UN is supporting Nigeria to tackle these challenges into pathways for sustainable growth and boost job creation.

“UNDP is strengthening national and state levels in promoting inclusive model; UNIDO is investing in ecosystem friendly industrial solutions, among other things.

“UN in partnership with organisations like Green Hub Africa and NES, is increasing efforts through advocacy centered on building global treaties to end plastic pollution.

“Ending plastic pollution is not only environmental imperative, it is a human right to health, dignity and lead a planned future.”

In his remarks, Programme Officer, UNIDO Regional Office Hub Abuja, Mr Osu Otu, decried ineffective waste management which often result in greenhouse gas emission.

According to him, in Nigeria, it is estimated that plastic accounts for 13 per cent of total sum of waste.

“The plastic waste management if properly harnessed could bolster job creation, private sector driven investment and foreign direct investments in the country.

“In addition, it will reduce plastic leakages into the environment,” Otu said.

The President of NES, Dr Efegbidiki Okobia, said the organisation has evolved beyond environmental campaigns to achieve desired goals.

According to him, there is a gap between separation, collection and distribution of waste during disposal and that is where the challenge is.

He said: “What we now do is take various environmental issues more serious, carry out research and bring it to those who are responsible, which we have done over the years.

“NES partnership with Green Hub Africa and the UN Information Centre has further made us succeed in promoting measures towards ending issues about plastic pollution,” Okobia said.

Plastic Pollution: UN Promises Continued Support to Nigeria in Tackling Scourge