Digital Peers International (DPI), Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), and other stakeholders have called for stronger government policies and stricter enforcement of environmental laws to address Nigeria’s growing plastic pollution challenge.
The call was made at the closing ceremony and awards presentation of the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP)-supported Plastic Waste Solutions 2.0 Project, held at NSUK under the theme: “Harnessing the Power of IT-Engaged Youth in Effective Plastic Use and Plastic Waste Management 2.0.”
Stakeholders said awareness campaigns alone are no longer sufficient, stressing the need for policies that discourage indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste, promote recycling and hold manufacturers accountable for waste generated by their products.
Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences at NSUK, Prof. Makwin Danladi Makut, described plastic pollution as one of Nigeria’s biggest environmental challenges because plastics remain in the environment for decades without decomposing. He called for legislation mandating waste segregation at source, designated disposal bins for different waste streams and sanctions for offenders, noting that effective waste management depends on strict enforcement.
Representing the Minister of Environment, Umaru Murtala, Senior Scientific Officer at the Federal Ministry of Environment, said the Federal Government is strengthening efforts to combat plastic pollution through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy, which requires manufacturers to take responsibility for plastic waste generated by their products. He added that the government has also developed the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management and the Nigerian Circular Economy Roadmap to promote sustainable waste management.
Chief Executive Officer of Digital Peers International, Dr. Ibukun Odusote, disclosed that the project exceeded expectations by reaching more than 4.5 million Nigerians through community engagement and digital campaigns, surpassing its initial target of two million people.
She said the initiative trained 400 young people, grouped into 100 teams, to develop technology-driven solutions and businesses focused on plastic waste management. Participants also carried out community clean-up exercises, engaged with waste pickers, visited recycling facilities and explored waste-to-energy opportunities.
Odusote further revealed that DPI developed the Green Energy App, now available on the Google Play Store, to educate Nigerians on responsible plastic waste management and environmental sustainability.
Director of Waste Management at the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority (NASWAMSA), Ishak Abubakar Ibrahim, said the agency has introduced household waste segregation in parts of the state to encourage recycling and strengthen the circular economy.
Also speaking, National Coordinator of the UNDP Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme, Dr. Ronke Olubamise, described the project as evidence of the creativity and innovation of Nigerian youths. She urged governments, development partners and the private sector to sustain the gains recorded through continued collaboration, investment and support for youth-led environmental solutions.
