…leads campaign against plastic waste

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AS part of activities marking the 2025 World Environment Day, ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, disclosed that Nigeria generates plastic wastes of 2.5 million annually and recycles less than 10 per cent.

Speaking during the Beat Plastic Pollution Innovation Day held in Abuja, the Country Director, AAN, Andrew Mamedu represented by the Chair, ActionAid Nigeria Young People’s Forum, Favour Ikpe, explained that the initiative aims to encourage Nigerians to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics.

Mamedu advocated for improved recycling practices and the establishment of collection points across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to facilitate effective plastic waste management.

Meanwhile, according to him, youths in Maiduguri recently created bricks from plastic waste at community hubs, as AAN tales the lead to mobilize youth and Persons with Disabilities, PWDs, to tackle the plastic waste menace across Nigerian cities.

He said: “The idea behind today’s event is to bring people together to take action. We must join hands to beat pollution and drastically cut down the use of single-use plastics.

“Today, we have brought together people from within the FCT to showcase their innovations in art, furniture, and other products made from recycled plastics,” he said,
According to Mamedu, the broader goal is to highlight the creative solutions being implemented by young Nigerians and explore avenues to support and scale these efforts, turning environmental action into sustainable livelihoods.

“We believe in the power of young people to drive real, lasting change. Just a few days ago, the world paused to reflect on our environmental crisis. But our commitment must go beyond that because plastic pollution doesn’t take a day off.

“Nigeria generates over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, yet less than 10 per cent is recycled. The rest ends up in drainages, farmlands, and oceans damaging health, ecosystems, and livelihoods.”

He (Mamedu) expressed optimism that change is already underway, “With nearly 70 per cent of our population under the age of 30, Nigerian youths are not waiting for change—they are making it happen. They are founding startups, designing sustainable products, and building green alternatives.”

He pointed to the economic potential of recycling: “Globally, the recycled plastics market is projected to exceed $107 billion by 2032.

“Nigeria’s circular economy is already worth over $10 billion. The African Development Bank, AfDB, estimates that a full transition in Africa could unlock $350 billion in economic opportunities by 2030.”

However, he stressed the need for enabling systems, “In Lagos, the recycling economy was worth ₦18 billion in 2021, yet 80 per cent of the city’s waste is still not formally collected—amounting to over $2.5 billion in lost value annually.

“That is why Lagos’ decision to ban single-use plastics starting July 1 is bold and necessary. We urge other states and the National Assembly to follow suit.”

Meanwhile, he also called for more support for grassroots initiatives, “Let us reward innovation, fund community-led projects, and enact policies that empower young recyclers. Plastic may be part of the problem—but with the right approach, it can be part of the solution. If we rethink, reuse, and recycle, we can turn pollution into possibility.

“Today is not just about raising awareness, it is about celebrating action. From live demonstrations to gallery displays, what you see here is transformation in motion. Let’s reimagine plastic—not as pollution, but as potential.”