As Nigeria grapples with an escalating plastic pollution crisis, stakeholders at the 2025 World Environment Day commemoration in Kano have called for a deliberate and united approach to tackling the menace. The event, themed “Ending Plastic Pollution,” brought together experts in environmental conservation, sustainability, and waste management who unanimously stressed the urgent need for policies that promote recycling, circular economy initiatives, and youth empowerment.
Organized by the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in collaboration with UNICEF, SFC Training Academy, PACE, and other partners, the event served as a clarion call for governments and citizens alike to confront Nigeria’s plastic waste challenge head-on.
Speaking during a panel discussion on “Strategies for Reducing Plastic Pollution,” Professor Aliyu Nabegu blamed the country’s plastic problem on a deep-rooted culture of poor waste management. He insisted that with proper infrastructure and enforceable regulations, plastics could become valuable commodities like scrap metal, ultimately disappearing from the environment due to increased demand in recycling markets. He emphasized personal accountability as a key pillar in changing the national waste narrative.
Dr. Bello Yakasai, a seasoned waste management consultant, added that Nigeria contributes an estimated 4 million tonnes to the global 400 million tonnes of annual plastic waste, with Kano State alone accounting for a staggering 30,000 tonnes. He urged the government to support entrepreneurs venturing into the recycling industry by providing access to technology, equipment, and funding, noting that the sector holds the potential to unlock a N4 billion business opportunity while employing millions of young Nigerians.
UNICEF Kano Field Office Chief, Mr. Rahama Farah, highlighted the importance of involving young people in conversations around environmental sustainability and climate change, pointing out that children are among the most affected by plastic pollution and must be empowered to lead future environmental advocacy.
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PACE State Team Lead, Auwalu Hamza, added that plastic waste isn’t just an environmental concern but a health crisis, urging collective action to create a cleaner, healthier Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Director of Climate Change at the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Malam Umar Anka, revealed that the government is already taking strategic steps to combat plastic pollution. According to him, a circular economy hub is currently being developed to train stakeholders, including producers, on sustainable waste design and recycling strategies. He also confirmed that the state’s new climate change policy has been signed into law and that environmental regulations are being reviewed to include feedback from critical stakeholders.
This growing momentum in Kano reflects a national awakening to the dangers of unchecked plastic pollution. Experts warn that unless Nigeria takes immediate action, the environmental, health, and economic consequences could be irreversible.
