FG Calls For Broader Collaboration Against Plastic Pollution

The federal government has called for a sustainable partnership with the Private sector to tackle the rising plastic pollution across the country.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who made the call, praised The Alternative Bank for its continued commitment to tackling plastic pollution in Nigeria, following the success of the ‘Walk4ZeroPlastic’ initiative in Abuja.

The minister, represented by the assistant director of the Solid Waste Management Division at the Ministry of Environment, Orume Dangiwa Ewa, expressed the Ministry’s strong support for the initiative and recognised the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government in addressing environmental challenges.

In his remarks, Lawal highlighted the urgent need to combat plastic pollution, which remains a significant threat to Nigeria’s environment and health. “Nigeria faces a momentous challenge of waste management, generating over 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, with plastics making up more than 15 per cent of this volume.

“This campaign aligns perfectly with our broader vision: to drastically reduce the amount of plastic ending up in our environment, while at the same time promoting recycling, resource recovery, responsible consumption as well as fostering financial inclusion,” he said.

Lawal continued, “I particularly want to commend The Alternative Bank for its vision and dedication. By linking environmental responsibility with tangible financial opportunities through corporate social investment, this initiative demonstrates that sustainability can be woven into the very fabric of our national development, benefiting every sector of our economy.”

Forming part of the bank’s Corporate Social Investment initiatives, the Walk4ZeroPlastic event included a symbolic walk, a market clean-up, and the donation of waste bins to Wuse Market to encourage better waste management practices. The initiative is designed to raise awareness about plastic pollution, promote recycling, and foster responsible consumption. Participants, including market traders, youth volunteers, and corporate partners, showed their commitment to the environment and community.

Divisional Head (North) at The Alternative Bank, Mohammed Abdul echoed the minister’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of collective action. “We are driving this project because we believe that everyone has a role to play in creating a cleaner, plastic-free Nigeria. The Walk4ZeroPlastic initiative is just one of many steps towards building an environment that will be conducive for everyone, including generations yet unborn. Together, we can build a future where plastic waste no longer threatens our health, our economy, or our planet,” he said.

The Walk4ZeroPlastic programme continues to expand, with the next stop in Kano on October 4, 2025, following its successful activation in Lagos earlier this year. The initiative highlights the power of community involvement in tackling Nigeria’s waste challenges, promoting long-term behavioral change, and supporting the country’s transition to a circular economy.