The United Nations (UN) Friday promised to continue to support Nigeria’s efforts at tackling plastic pollution as part of the efforts to bolster sustainable environmental protection.
The promise was given 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 “Every piece of plastic that litter our soil or blocks our waterways is threatening the 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 an 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 an environmental imperative, it is a human right to health, dignity and a planned future.”
In his remarks, Programme Officer, UNIDO Regional Office Hub Abuja, Mr Osu Otu, decried ineffective waste management which often results in greenhouse gas emission.
According to him, in Nigeria, it is estimated that plastic accounts for 13 per cent of the 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 seriously, 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.