As nations around the world marked World Environment Day, the Economic Community of West African States Commission and the Ministry of Environment joined forces to spotlight the urgent need to combat plastic pollution across West Africa.
This year’s theme, “Together, We Can Beat Plastic Pollution,” resonated throughout the celebration held in Abuja on Tuesday, stressing the regional collaboration, environmental responsibility, and action over words.
Delivering the goodwill message on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Massandje Toure-Litse, highlighted the occasion’s significance during the ECOWAS Jubilee Year, a milestone marking 50 years of regional solidarity.
“It is fitting that in this landmark year, we reaffirm our commitment to a clean, resilient, and sustainable environment for future generations.
“Plastic pollution is not only a global menace but a regional and national crisis.
“There is growing recognition that plastic pollution is a transboundary problem that requires a coordinated regional response,” Toure-Litse said.
The commissioner represented by the Acting Director, Environment and Natural Resources, Yao Bernard Koffi, cited data from the World Bank, revealing that West Africa produces nearly eight million metric tonnes of plastic waste annually, with over 80 percent of it poorly managed posing dire consequences to human health, marine ecosystems, and the economy.
To address the challenge, she noted ECOWAS had adopted a regional regulation on plastic management in 2023, urging member states to harmonise laws and implement best practices.
“The ECOWAS Commission is supporting Member States to harmonise environmental standards and promote green industrialisation,” she said.
Promising examples from across the region were acknowledged; Ghana and Nigeria advancing circular economy initiatives, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire introducing plastic bans and producer responsibility schemes.
Yet, Toure-Litse warned that a more coordinated effort is needed.
“Tackling plastic pollution is a test of our resolve to act together as governments, private sector actors, civil society, and citizens,” the commissioner stated.
She called on all stakeholders to invest in eco-innovation, support community-led waste efforts, enforce environmental laws, and empower youth-led climate actions.
“The ECOWAS commission stands ready to work side-by-side with Nigeria and all partners to beat plastic pollution not tomorrow, but today,” she concluded.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, welcomed the gathering with a mix of reflection and urgency, underscoring the environmental, public health, and economic implications of plastic waste.
“Plastic pollution is a very serious issue that we must confront, and we must fight honestly.
“Linked to plastic pollution is chemical pollution. Climate change may be the most visible threat, but chemical waste is equally insidious and must also be addressed,” Lawal declared.
Lawal offered a vivid account of how poor waste disposal contributes to flooding across Nigerian cities.
“Every minute, plastic waste is being dumped in our oceans, rivers, and land systems. We are blocking waterways, and that leads to flooding. Water must find its way. If you obstruct it, it will pass through your homes, your farms, your schools,” he said.
In a candid appeal to the architectural community, he added, “You are part of our problem. You design and approve construction on waterways. That must stop if we are serious about ending flooding.”
Reinforcing the federal government’s commitment, Lawal outlined several initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the implementation of the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management and the Extended Producer Responsibility Programme.
“We are taking decisive steps to address pollution at all levels.
“Reduce, reuse, recycle, these three R’s are not just slogans. They are our path forward,” the minister stated.
Lawal also drew attention to the economic potential in recycling, citing a recent visit to Ghana where youths are being employed in plastic collection schemes.
“This catastrophe of pollution can be turned into a resource. It can be good business for our youth,” he said.
The minister further emphasised collaboration across ministries, agencies, industries, and schools to promote environmental education.
“We must create environmental clubs in schools. We must reach the youth. They have more years to live on this planet than us and they must be equipped to protect it.”
Reflecting on past and future efforts, Lawal called on all Nigerians to adopt a shared sense of responsibility.
“Throughout history, we have searched for alternatives to earth. But till today, there is none. We must protect what we have.
“Let this day serve as a wake-up call. Let us become ambassadors of environmental stewardship.
“Together, let us walk toward a Nigeria where our waterways are clean, our streets are free of plastic waste, and our ecosystems are protected for generations yet to come,” Lawal added.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with ECOWAS @50.
The event gathered senior officials, civil society representatives, youth groups, and international development partners, reaffirming a collective will to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing the region: plastic pollution.
