Lagos Calls For Bold Action To Combat Global Plastic Pollution Crisis.
Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has issued a clarion call for transformative action to tackle the escalating global threat of plastic pollution, urging residents and stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices to protect the environment. The appeal came during the 2025 World Environment Day celebrations held at the Ifako Ijaiye Secretariat in Ogba, Lagos, on Wednesday, 18 June 2025.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, emphasised that safeguarding the planet demands more than mere awareness—it requires deliberate and collective action from all sectors of society. Highlighting this year’s theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” he underscored the severe impact of plastic waste on ecosystems, public health, and the economy. “Plastic pollution is an alarming global threat. We must act with urgency and purpose to protect our environment for future generations,” Wahab stated.
The commissioner’s remarks were echoed by Dr Tajudeen Gaji, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, who outlined the state’s vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Lagos. He noted that improving environmental quality is critical to enhancing public health outcomes and ensuring sustainable development. The event also featured a sensitisation campaign led by the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, where Chairman Mr Oriyomi Hamzat, represented by Vice Chairman Mrs Oluwatosin Akerele, urged residents to maintain a clean environment and adopt eco-friendly materials in their daily activities.
The programme culminated in an award ceremony recognising the three cleanest streets in the Ifako-Ijaiye division, a move aimed at encouraging community-led efforts to maintain a tidy environment. This initiative reflects Lagos State’s broader commitment to addressing plastic pollution, which has been identified as a major cause of flooding and waterborne diseases in the city. A 2022 report highlighted the dire situation in areas like Obalende, where plastic waste clogs drainage canals and lagoons, exacerbating environmental and health challenges.
Lagos has taken decisive steps to curb the menace, with a ban on single-use plastics, including styrofoam and plastic cutlery, set to be enforced from 1 July 2025. The policy, which excludes PET bottles and sachet water, has sparked debate among stakeholders, with some calling for a phased approach to mitigate economic impacts on traders. However, marketing professionals argue that businesses can remain profitable while complying with these environmental policies, citing the potential for innovation in sustainable alternatives.
The call to action aligns with broader national and regional efforts. The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, has urged citizens to join the fight against plastic pollution, with over 870,000 tonnes of plastic waste generated annually in Lagos alone. Meanwhile, the federal government and organisations like Oxfam Nigeria have advocated for a circular economy, promoting recycling, reuse, and stronger waste management policies.
As Lagos leads the charge in West Africa, the state’s efforts are being closely watched as a potential model for addressing plastic pollution. Residents have been encouraged to embrace alternatives such as reusable bags, paper plates, and ceramics, with the government pledging to support community-based initiatives to ensure a sustainable future.
