By Dele Ogbodo/Funmi Adams
The Minister of Environment, Dr. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, on Tuesday 17, 2025 called on governments across all levels, private sector players, development partners, students and stakeholders to steam up the momentum to end the devastating effects of environmental pollution even.
This is coming even as he admitted that plastic pollution is one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
Addressing stakeholders from across sectors, ECOWAS, Students, private sector organizations at the 2025 World Environmental Day in Abuja, he urged participants to become ambassadors of environmental stewardship.
The Minister, said: “As we mark this World Environment Day, I urge everyone here to reflect deeply on how we can individually and collectively end environmental degradation, especially plastic pollution.
“Let this day serve as a wake-up call to all, and be remembered as a turning point in our fight against the devastating effects of environmental pollution.
“I would also like to extend the appreciation President Bola Tinubu, for your presence and commitment to environmental sustainability which is one of the most pressing challenges of our time.”
He said year’s theme: Ending Plastic Pollution,” resonates with a global urgency that cannot be overstated. Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue but also an economic and public health crisis.
“Every minute, plastic waste is being dumped into our oceans, rivers, and drainage systems, endangering wildlife and contributing to flooding in our urban centres.
“Like many other nations, Nigeria faces significant challenges in managing plastic waste. Our cities and rural communities suffer from the burden of unchecked plastic pollution ranging from sachet water bags littering our streets to micro-plastics entering our food chain and causing public health concerns.” He said.
The Minister assured that Federal Government under the leadership of Tinubu, is committed to a cleaner, greener, and more resilient environment which is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding: “We are taking decisive steps to address plastic pollution at all levels.”
Lawal, also reiterated that the Ministry has developed and is implementing a National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, which provides a strategic framework for reducing plastic use, promoting recycling, and encouraging innovation in alternatives to single-use plastics.
“We are also supporting innovative circular economy models to drive recycling and promote plastic alternatives, especially across government ministries, departments, and agencies.
“Additionally, we have launched the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme, which mandates producers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their plastic products—from production to disposal.
“The Ministry is collaborating with key stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society to ensure that environmental policies translate into meaningful impact.” The Minister said.
He acknowledged that the Ministry cannot do this alone, adding that the fight against plastic pollution and other environmental challenges must be a people-oriented movement, explaining: “That this is a fight for the preservation of our ecosystems, the future of our children, and the survival of our dear planet.
Lawal, expressed the profound appreciation of his ministry to its development partners, especially the ECOWAS Commission, which has been a steadfast partner in environmental governance, climate change response, and sustainable development across the West African sub-region.
He said: “We commend the Commission’s continued support to our Ministry and its leadership in addressing trans-boundary environmental issues.
“As we mark this World Environment Day, I urge everyone here to reflect deeply on how we can individually and collectively end environmental degradation, especially plastic pollution.
“Let us make conscious choices and become ambassadors of environmental stewardship. Let this day serve as a wake-up call to all, and be remembered as a turning point in our fight against the devastating effects of environmental pollution.
“Together, let us work toward a Nigeria where our waterways are clean, our streets are free of plastic waste, and our ecosystems are protected for generations to come.”
