ActionAid Calls on Nigerians to Tap into Billion Dollars Plastic Waste Industry

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has called on Nigerians to tap into the billion dollars plastic waste industry.

The call was made on Wednesday in Abuja by the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu at the “Beat Plastic Pollution Innovation Day” in commemoration of World Environment Day.

Mamedu, who was represented by Chair of ActionAid Nigeria Young People’s Forum, Favour Ikpe, while noting that currently, Nigeria generates 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, urged Nigeria to tap into the billion dollar plastic waste economy.

He said with 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually in Nigeria, only less than 10% of the waste is recycled, while the rest constitutes harm to the environment.

He therefore called for investment in recycling infrastructure and also support for the young Nigerians that are providing solutions.

He said: “To cut down drastically on single-use plastics,Invest in recycling infrastructure and Support the brilliant young people already building solutions from the grassroots.”

He stressed: “Let’s face it: the impact of plastic waste is right in front of us. In Nigeria alone, we generate over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, but less than 10% is recycled. That means the rest ends up in our drainages, our farmlands, our oceans, and these are harming our health and destroying livelihoods.

“But here’s the powerful part: change is already happening — and it’s being driven by young people. Nigeria is a young country — nearly 70% of our population is under 30. And we’re not sitting around waiting for change. We’re making it happen.

“Across the country, young people are taking plastic waste and turning it into opportunity — building startups, designing solutions, and creating sustainable alternatives.

“And there’s a big economic opportunity here. Globally, the recycled plastics market is projected to hit over $107 billion by 2032. Nigeria’s circular economy alone is already worth over $10 billion, and growing. The African Development Bank says that if we transition fully, Africa could unlock $350 billion in new economic opportunities by 2030.

“But we need the right systems to make this real. In Lagos, for example, the recycling economy was worth ₦18 billion in 2021 — yet 80% of the city’s waste still isn’t formally collected. That’s over $2.5 billion in lost value every year.

“Let’s reward innovation. Let’s fund community-led efforts. Let’s create policies that empower young recyclers and scale up sustainable solutions.

“Plastic may be part of the problem — but with the right approach, it can also be part of the solution. If we rethink, reuse, and recycle, we can turn pollution into possibility.”

He said what is needed today is to reimagine plastic — not as pollution, but as potential.

“So today isn’t just about raising awareness — it’s about celebrating action. From the live demos to the amazing gallery displays, what you’ll see here are examples of how youth are flipping the script. This is what transformation looks like.”

ActionAid Calls on Nigerians to Tap into Billion Dollars Plastic Waste Industry

Bandits abduct eight in Zamfara’s Shinkafi LGA

By: Zagazola Makama

At least eight persons have been abducted by armed bandits in Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on June 10, 2025, at about 12:55 p.m., when bandits invaded the Fadama area of Jangeru and Birnin Yero villages.

“During the attack, the armed bandits abducted eight persons, including one member of the Community Protection Guard (CPG) attached to Jangeru and seven other villagers,” the statement said.

The sources said efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Bandits abduct eight in Zamfara’s Shinkafi LGA

Zulum sympathises with Mokwa flood victims, donates N300m

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has sympathised with his Niger State counterpart, Mohammed Bago, over recent flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government Area.

During a visit on Tuesday at the Government House in Minna, Zulum announced the donation of N300m to support victims of the disaster.

Zulum noted that the donation is to complement the efforts of Niger State government in addressing the challenges of the disaster.

Zulum while also extending the commiseration of the entire people of Borno to the government and people of Niger State over the devastating effects of the flood which claimed many lives and destroyed properties and livelihoods, urged all the subnational governments to work collectively to mitigate the impact of climate change on societies.

Responding, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed his appreciation to his Borno State counterpart for the visit and donation, saying it was timely and a show of love.

The Governor also observed that Borno and Niger States have many things in common and applauded the doggedness, pro-activeness, perseverance and love of Borno State Governor, which he said has kept him on his toes.

Bago reassured that the donation would be utilised properly, even as he said lots of advocacy is ongoing on the need for people to stay away from coastal lines to avert reoccurrence.

Zulum was accompanied on the visit by Senator Mohammed Monguno, members of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba, Hon. Abduljadir Rahis and the Deputy Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Engr Abdullahi Askira.

In a separate visit, Governor Zulum extended his condolences to the Government and people of Adamawa over the death of Professor Jibrin Aminu, who passed away recently in Abuja, describing Professor Aminu as son of Borno State, noting his contributions to the development and growth of education in the State and Nigeria at large.

Zulum’s entourage includes Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, a business mogul and Chairman of Oriental Energy.

In response, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri thanked the delegation for the visit and described Prof. Jibril Aminu’s death as a great tragedy not only for Adamawa but the nation as a whole.

Zulum sympathises with Mokwa flood victims, donates N300m