Precious Anga
Lagos — The United Nations Development Programme’s Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme, UNDP-GEF SGP, has called on Nigeria to begin planning for a future with reduced dependence on plastics, urging young people to develop innovative solutions to the country’s growing plastic waste challenge.
National Coordinator of the UNDP-GEF SGP, Ibironke Olubamise, made the call during a plastic waste solutions programme held in Abuja, stressing the need for government, organisations and citizens to work towards gradually phasing out plastic use.
According to her, while plastics remain deeply embedded in modern life, efforts must be intensified to find sustainable alternatives and improve waste management practices to reduce their environmental and health impacts.
Olubamise encouraged Nigerian youths to focus on both preventive and corrective solutions to plastic pollution.
“You may also want to consider downstream solutions, which focus on what happens after plastic has been produced. This is equally important because many companies are still engaged in plastic production,” she said.
She noted that plastic remains a vital component of daily life across the world, making it necessary to develop practical approaches for recycling, repurposing and reducing plastic waste.
“Globally, plastic is part of almost every aspect of our lives. Therefore, I urge you to continue your efforts and work towards finding viable solutions. You never know what opportunities may emerge from these innovations,” Olubamise added.
She commended the organisers of the programme and participants for their commitment to addressing environmental challenges, particularly those associated with plastic pollution.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that poor plastic waste management contributes to flooding, pollution, biodiversity loss and public health risks across Nigeria, highlighting the need for stronger policies, increased recycling efforts and greater public awareness.
