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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
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Vigilante office attacked, vehicles set ablaze by suspected IPOB/ESN militants in Aguata, Anambra
Vigilante office attacked, vehicles set ablaze by suspected IPOB/ESN militants in Aguata, Anambra
By Zagazola Makama
Armed hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militia arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), attacked a vigilante office in Amesi, Aguata LGA, Anambra State, in the early hours of April 25, 2025.
The attack, which occurred at about 0220hrs, targeted the office of the sector commander of the Agunechenba Vigilantes.
According to the commander, the hoodlums set fire to four patrol vehicles and two motorcycles belonging to the vigilantes before fleeing the scene.
Upon receiving the report, a Joint Task Force (JTF) mobilized to the area, but by the time they arrived, the assailants had already escaped.
A comprehensive search of the surrounding bushes is underway, with police-led JTF units working to apprehend the suspects.
Vigilante office attacked, vehicles set ablaze by suspected IPOB/ESN militants in Aguata, Anambra
FCT Police investigate assault case involving Seyi Tinubu’s sister
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Police Force(NPF) FCT Police Command is investigating an alleged assault involving Oscar Ilochi, a male resident of Apo Legislative Quarters, accused of molesting Ebunoluwa, the sister of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, at the Evolve 360 Gym Complex in Apo, Abuja.
A Police Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect approached the victim while she was exercising alone in the gym’s basement, touching her inappropriately, attempting to force himself on her, and causing further distress.
The sources said that the gym’s CCTV footage has been requested as part of the investigation.
The sources said that the suspect has been banned from the gym due to two prior similar incidents.
The victim, who is reportedly traumatized, has sought medical attention.
The police sources said that investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated as they unfold.
FCT Police investigate assault case involving Seyi Tinubu’s sister
Troops Foil Fresh Violence as Armed Youths Attack Fulani Settlement in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Saturday averted what could have been another violent episode in Plateau State after suspected armed Berom youths attacked a Fulani settlement in Tanjol Village, Riyom Local Government Area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack, which occurred at about 1:00 p.m., targeted cattle belonging to Fulani herders. Three cows were shot one killed and two severely injured in an apparent act of provocation in the tense community.
In response, Fulani youths from Mahanga mobilised for a reprisal but were intercepted by troops before further violence could erupt.
During the confrontation, two Fulani youths sustained gunshot injuries, but no deaths were recorded. Troops from Sector 6 OPSH, backed by reinforcements from Sector 4 and Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gashish, swiftly intervened and dispersed the militias, who fled into nearby bushes.
Security forces, alongside police personnel, have since dominated the area with patrols to forestall escalation. Military sources also confirmed that clearance operations are ongoing in Mahanga, where the Fulani youths had mobilised.
The incident is the latest in a worrying pattern of targeted attacks in Plateau State, following recent unrest in parts of the state. Observers warn that such reprisals are taking on a more systematic and dangerous dimension.
There is growing concern that political leaders in the country, particularly from the Plateau State Government, have failed to adequately respond to the ongoing violence. Instead, their rhetoric is being blamed for inflaming tensions rather than promoting peace.
Zagazola Makama is calling for urgent action to de-escalate the crisis, including impartial enforcement of security measures and justice for all affected communities.
The security situation in Plateau remains fragile, with fears of renewed clashes if proactive steps are not taken to address the underlying issues of ethnic mistrust, and political incitement.
Troops Foil Fresh Violence as Armed Youths Attack Fulani Settlement in Plateau
Vigilante office attacked, vehicles set ablaze by suspected IPOB/ESN militants in Aguata, Anambra
Lifeless new born baby found in a pit Monguno IDP camp, Borno
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