By Ubong Usoro
The Federal Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has celebrated the 2025 World Environment Day in Abuja with the theme ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’.
World Environment Day is celebrated yearly on June 5th to raise awareness and mobilise action for environmental protection and climate change advocacy.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said plastic pollution is a serious concern that affects everyone, the industry, and our planet.
The minister said plastic pollution is as critical as chemical pollution, adding that our environment suffers a lot of economic and social damages as a result of climate change.
He suggested the 3Rs — Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle — as a pollution formula for beating plastic pollution.
The minister commended organisations that work on ending plastic waste and noted that youths can be employed in ventures that are into plastic management and recycling.
He said the ministry is working with companies to take ownership of their waste products from start to finish.
The President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray, in his remark, said plastic pollution is a transborder issue and requires a regional concerted effort.
He advised that people should not microwave plastic, as it is not good for the body.
The Coordinator of the Climate Desk at Oxfam in Nigeria, Mr Kenneth Akpan, thanked the minister for inaugurating the Climate Justice Youth Ambassadors Group during the 2024 World Environment Day.
He said in one year, the group has engaged in deliberations, serious advocacy, and policy engagements.
The highlight of the event was the Minister’s Cup, an eco-club school competition run by Oxfam, with Community Secondary School, Asokoro, emerging as the winner, followed by Government Junior Secondary School, Gwagwalada.
School of the Gifted came in third, and Government Secondary School, Aguwan Dodo, came fourth.
