TOWARDS A CLEANER TOMORROW: NEST’S COMMITMENT TO ENDING PLASTIC WASTE IN NIGERIA

As part of the World Environment Day 2025 celebration, the Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating plastic pollution and promoting a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Nigeria.

In a statement issued by Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, Chairman of the NEST Board of Directors, the organization emphasized that plastic pollution is a solvable crisis, one that can be addressed without sacrificing human well-being, but rather with significant environmental gains.

“Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing global environmental challenges,” said Prof. Nwajiuba. “Nigeria is not exempt. From high income neighbourhoods to informal settlements, our streets, waterways, and farmlands are increasingly choked with plastic waste. What was once an urban issue now affects rural areas alike.”

He described the widespread use of plastic packaging, disposable bags, and cooking wraps as pervasive and dangerous posing serious health risks and environmental consequences. Common disposal practices such as open burning and improper dumping have worsened air quality and exacerbated respiratory health challenges. Meanwhile, clogged drainage systems caused by plastics contribute to urban flooding and degraded aquatic ecosystems.

“Plastics have infiltrated our food systems and soils, threatening not only public health but also agricultural productivity,” Nwajiuba warned. “This is an unprecedented threat to our environment, our health, and our collective future.”

However, he clarified that ending plastic pollution doesn’t mean eliminating all plastic use. Instead, it calls for responsible production, use, and disposal, and for every Nigerian to play a part in reshaping our relationship with plastics.

NEST is calling on individuals, communities, businesses, and governments at all levels to take bold and coordinated action. The organization highlighted four key areas for urgent intervention:

1. Sustainable Alternatives: Promote the use of biodegradable and reusable materials within communities and across industries.

2. Community Education: Launch grassroots awareness campaigns on the impacts of plastic waste and practical ways to reduce consumption.

3. Policy Advocacy: Collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen waste management systems, improve enforcement, and push for effective regulation.

4. Research & Innovation: Invest in science and technology that advance recycling methods and sustainable waste solutions.

NEST also acknowledged efforts by some state governments such as Lagos in addressing plastic waste through regulatory action and urged other states to follow suit.

Importantly, the organization called on the Federal Government to revisit and resume implementation of the suspended Green Tax on single-use plastics. It also encouraged the private sector to adopt circular economy practices by reducing plastic packaging and investing in eco-friendly alternatives.

“In the spirit of this year’s World Environment Day, we urge every Nigerian to embrace the 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink,” said Prof. Nwajiuba. “Let us work together to build a Nigeria where plastic no longer pollutes our environment or endangers our health.”

By embracing innovation, policy reform, and public participation, NEST believes Nigeria can lead the way toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.