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UN Calls for Urgent Action on Plastic Pollution in Nigeria
UN Calls for Urgent Action on Plastic Pollution in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
United Nations (UN) has called for urgent action against plastic pollution in Nigeria, insisting that “Nigeria’s plastic pollution has reached an alarming scale, with neither urban nor rural areas escaping this blight.”
Speaking at the 50th Environment Day celebration organised by the UN and Green Hub Africa, at the UN House in Abuja, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mathias Schmale decried that Nigeria uses over 1.5 million metric tons of plastic each year, one of the highest in Africa.
He equally lamented that much of this is single use such as plastic bags, bottles, and straws, noting that Lagos alone uses 10 million plastic bags a day.
He said: “Waste management remains a challenge across the country. A large portion of plastic waste ends up in open dumps, landfills, water bodies, drainage systems, and along coastal areas. In fact, a mere 10% of plastic is recycled according to the Federal Ministry of the Environment.
“We need to urgently address plastic pollution in Nigeria if we are to achieve the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs.”
He explained that this however is a problem that can be solved, adding that: “A new report by the UN Environment Programme shows that we can reduce plastic pollution by 80 per cent by 2040. But we must act now.
“We need collaborative efforts from all stakeholders – a whole-of-society approach – including Government, private sector, CSOs, and international partners to enhance policy implementation, promote a circular economy, and reduce plastic use.
“Innovative solutions and new technologies are required to tackle plastic pollution effectively in Nigeria. R&D is essential to develop sustainable approaches and alternatives to single-use plastic.
“Raising awareness among the general public of the impacts of plastic pollution is equally important. Education campaigns, clean-up drives, and recycling initiatives can move us as a society towards more responsible consumption and waste management.”
Schmale, who was represented by the UNDP Representative in Nigeria, Mohamed Yahya, promised that the UN will continue to work with its partners in Nigeria to tackle plastic pollution.
He said: “For instance, UNIDO has been supporting the Government in advancing its waste management policy. UNEP is involved in another project called ‘Circular and POPs-free Plastics in Africa’ which aims to reduce persistent organic pollutants from the plastics value chain.”
He said: “The UN commends the Government of Nigeria for playing an active role at the ongoing Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee meetings for the development of this global plastic convention.
“We look forward to working closely with the new administration on this issue and others related to plastics. The UN stands ready to provide technical expertise, capacity building, and financial aid as we combat this pollution together.”
He said: “On this World Environment Day 2023, let us remember that each one of us has a role to play. We can all take action in our daily lives by making sustainable choices. As individuals and consumers, we can act now to reuse, recycle, reorient, and diversify away from plastics. Together, we can Beat Plastic Pollution.
“A greener Nigeria and a healthier planet are essential for a prosperous and peaceful future.”
On his part the Chief Executive Office/ Founder GreenHubAfrica, Mr, Henry Bassey, explained that: “We are a non-government organisation that promote environmental sustainability through education, edutainment, advocacy using media platforms and programmes. We redesign, repurpose and disseminate simple programmes for better comprehension an awareness of local environmental issues. The goal is to leave the earth better by provoking a mindset shift towards climate action for a healthier and sustainable Africa”.
The theme for this year’s World Environmental day is “Solution to plastic pollution”.
UN Calls for Urgent Action on Plastic Pollution in Nigeria
Bauchi Polytechnic students protest after 20 armed robbers raid campus hostel
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed robbers on Monday at about 4am invaded male students’ hostels at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, dispossessing occupants of mobile phones and valuables, and stabbing two students in the process.
The attack, which took place in the early hours of Monday, occurred within the Gwalameji campus of the institution, located about four kilometres from the city centre.
Eyewitnesses told Zagazola Makama that the robbers, numbering between 15 and 20, broke into several hostel rooms and threatened students with weapons, including knives.
“They moved from room to room, collecting phones, laptops and money. Two students who resisted were stabbed before the attackers fled,” said a student who requested anonymity for security reasons.
Zagazola gathered that the incident sparked outrage among students, who later blocked the Bauchi–Dass highway near the school gate to protest what they described as recurring security lapses on campus.
The protest was dispersed by security operatives using teargas, while the institution’s management promptly suspended academic activities and ordered students to vacate the campus within two hours.
Troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel were deployed to restore order.
Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, who visited the campus, addressed the students and assured them that efforts were underway to apprehend the perpetrators and strengthen campus security.
A security source told Zagazola that the targeted attack on male hostels point to the gaps in intelligence and emergency response, particularly given the proximity of the school to the state capital.
“The robbers operated for some time without interruption, which suggests that security patrols and outposts in the area need to be more proactive, especially since Gwalameji has a history of criminal incidents,” the source said.
The students, citing lack of security personnel, poor medical facilities and other welfare issues, staged a protest after being addressed by school officials.
Following a tip-off later in the day, police arrested three suspects, Mansur Yakubu, also known as Chasu; Abbas Auwal, 20; and Musa Bala, 20, alias Babannani all of Lushi area, Bauchi.
The suspects confessed to the crime and named their accomplices, identified as Kalifa Danboda of Birshin Gandu, and others known as Dady, Soja, Baki, and Sunusi, alias “Ba Su Aikin Allah,” who are currently at large.
Authorities says efforts are intensified to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Bauchi Polytechnic students protest after 20 armed robbers raid campus hostel
Massive Bandit Attack in Kwara Police station, Leaves Police ASP Dead, Market Looted
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits numbering about 200 stormed Babanla town in Kwara state on motorbikes at around 1:00 p.m. on Friday, killing a police officer and looting a local market.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the assailants, who fired sporadically, attacked the Babanla Police Station, where ASP Adejumo Wasiu attached to the ACPOL Offa was shot dead. His AK-47 rifle was taken by the attackers.
Sources said that the station was ransacked, though no additional arms were lost, as all other weapons were on charge at the time.
After the assault on the police facility, the gunmen moved to the town’s market, seizing large quantities of foodstuffs.
A joint force comprising military, police, vigilantes, and local hunters mobilized swiftly, repelling the attack and restoring order.
The number of civilian casualties remains unknown as at the time of filling this report
Massive Bandit Attack in Kwara Police station, Leaves Police ASP Dead, Market Looted
Eight Suspects Escape from Police Custody in Gona in Bauchi One Rearrested
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Gona in Bauchi state are on a manhunt after eight suspects in custody for various offences escaped from their cell in the early hours of August 8, 2025.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:20 a.m. on Saturday when the detainees broke out of their cell and forcefully opened the nearby exit door before fleeing to an unknown destination.
It was gathered that a rapid response patrol and divisional surveillance teams were deployed immediately. One of the escapees, identified as Abdullahi Haliru, has since been rearrested.
The sources said that authorities have circulated alerts to aid in the capture of the remaining fugitives
Eight Suspects Escape from Police Custody in Gona in Bauchi One Rearrested
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