As part of activities marking World Environment Day 2025, Oxfam in Nigeria has called on Nigerians to embrace responsible plastic use and adopt more sustainable habits to reduce plastic pollution.
Speaking at a youth-led event in Abuja organized under the Climate Justice Youth Ambassador (CJYA), Climate Justice Manager at Oxfam, Dr Kenneth Akpan emphasized the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its contribution to climate change and environmental degradation.
“The theme for this year’s World Environment Day is Beat Plastic Pollution, and this gathering is part of our effort to lend our voice and deepen advocacy. We are urging Nigerians to understand the dangers of irresponsible plastic use and disposal. We need to promote recycling, reuse, and responsible citizenship,” Dr. Akpan said.
Dr Akpan explained that the CJYA initiative is a platform designed to empower youth groups across Nigeria to drive the climate justice narrative and connect with global climate action efforts.
“Youths are powerful voices. We want to harness their energy to push this message and ensure Nigeria contributes responsibly to the global effort to reduce emissions and beat plastic pollution,” he added.
He also called on companies involved in plastic production to take greater responsibility.
“Multinational corporations must not only advocate recycling but invest in infrastructure and systems that make recycling accessible and practical. It’s their responsibility too,” he said.
Echoing the call for stronger action, National Coordinator of CJYA and an environmentalist, Loretta Boniface advocated for a nationwide ban on single-use plastics.
“We’ve seen how hazardous plastic waste is in our society, contributing to flash floods and environmental pollution. Lagos has taken the lead in banning single-use plastics—we want other states to follow,” she stated.
Boniface urged the Nigerian government to implement bans within ministries and agencies and extend policy enforcement beyond major cities like Abuja and Lagos.
“We are saying it’s everybody’s responsibility to act. We, the youth, are the heart of innovation. The solutions to plastic pollution are in us and with us,” she concluded.
The event brought together young climate ambassadors committed to creating awareness and pushing for legislative and corporate accountability in addressing the plastic crisis in Nigeria.
