• 07 Jun, 2025
• Faith Kegh
• comments off

Nigeria Launches Nationwide Campaign Against Plastic Pollution, Focuses on Niger Delta Creeks.

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has launched an intensive awareness campaign to combat plastic pollution in Nigeria, prioritizing the heavily affe

cted creeks of the Niger Delta.

Marking World Environment Day 2025 on June 5, HYPREP, along with advocacy groups—the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD) and the Foundation for Earth Rights Assembly (FERA)—called for an end to pollution by urging oil companies and individuals to adopt sustainable environmental practices.

During a community event at Bomu Fishing Port in Gokana LGA, Rivers State, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, underscored the agency’s commitment to reducing plastic waste. He said the campaign forms part of a wider grassroots effort to raise environmental awareness and promote citizen-led solutions.

Zabbey noted that HYPREP has taken steps by banning single-use plastics in all its offices and project sites, promoting environmental clubs in schools, and educating fisherfolk and youth on the dangers of plastic pollution.

He highlighted the severity of Nigeria’s plastic waste issue, pointing out that around 50–60 million sachet water bags are discarded daily, with many ending up in waterways—posing both environmental and public health risks.

Zabbey emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, corporations, communities, and individuals to implement and enforce policies that reduce plastic waste.

Traditional ruler of Bomu, HRH Benedict Vurasi-Tenalo, commended HYPREP’s outreach and pledged to convene town halls to educate his community on the dangers of plastic waste. “Plastic pollution is choking our waterways and threatening our future,” he said.

CEHRD’s Coordinator, Dr. Nubari Nabie, echoed similar concerns, stating that over 400 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year, with much of it polluting oceans, rivers, and even entering the atmosphere. He warned that what began as a convenience has now become a crisis affecting ecosystems and human health, especially in regions like the Niger Delta.

CEHRD Programme Director Styvn Obodoekwe emphasized the urgency of the issue and called for stronger public education efforts through partnerships between government and civil society.

Also speaking on the occasion, FERA Executive Director Nosa Tokunbor described plastic pollution as a global emergency. He cited alarming figures, including over 400 million tonnes of plastic waste generated in 2023 and projections that by 2040, 29 million tonnes will enter aquatic ecosystems annually if no action is taken.

Tokunbor noted that Nigeria recycles less than 12% of its plastic waste and has only eight plastic recovery facilities. He added that three of the world’s top 20 most polluted rivers are in Nigeria.

He called for ambitious but fair policies to end plastic pollution, stressing the need to redesign products, reduce single-use plastics, and support global treaties such as the Basel and Stockholm Conventions.

This year’s World Environment Day theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” aims to inspire global and local action. Stakeholders emphasized that systemic change must involve governments, organizations, and individuals adopting more sustainable practices to protect both people and the planet.

Faith Kegh

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