The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Nigeria’s leading environmental NGO founded in 1980, has renewed its call for stronger national action and increased financing to confront the plastic pollution crisis, warning that the threat to ecosystems, coastal communities, and public health is escalating.
Okay News reports that the warning was delivered at the 2025 NCF Green Ball held in Lagos on Saturday, where the Chairman of the NCF National Executive Council, Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi, represented the foundation’s President of the Board of Trustees, Izioma Asiodu, who was absent due to age and health constraints.
Adebiyi said the annual fundraising event remains critical to sustaining NCF’s conservation programmes, which include the Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture and the Walk for Nature, all of which depend heavily on corporate and individual funding. She commended long-standing partners such as Chevron, the Lagos State Government, financial institutions, and private donors.
Speaking on the theme, “Raising Finance to Beat Plastic Pollution,” she described the plastic pollution crisis as one of the most severe environmental challenges facing both developing and industrialised nations. She warned that plastic waste is clogging waterways, worsening urban flooding, and destroying marine and human life.
Citing global and national data, Adebiyi noted that the world now produces about 400 million tonnes of plastic annually, with roughly 1.1 million tonnes generated daily, nearly half of which is mismanaged. An estimated one to two million tonnes flow into the world’s oceans every year. She added that Lagos State alone produces about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, with plastics accounting for 15–20 per cent.
She urged guests to pay special attention to the night’s presentation, emphasising that ignoring the plastic pollution crisis could lead to catastrophic consequences for Nigeria’s urban and coastal environments. She also outlined individual solutions such as reducing single-use plastics, sorting waste properly, engaging in recycling, joining community clean-ups, buying in bulk, and supporting legislation that restricts harmful plastic products.
Adebiyi stressed that while recycling is essential, not all plastics are recyclable or economically viable to process. She encouraged Nigerians to adopt responsible consumption habits as part of national pollution prevention efforts.
She explained that pollution management is a central pillar of NCF’s 2025–2030 strategic plan, adding: “Please join us to stem this serious threat of plastic pollution, which, if left unchecked, is likely to overrun us.”
Adebiyi also praised NCF trustees, partners, members, and the National Executive Council for sustaining the foundation’s work over 44 years. She urged continued dedication to NCF’s mission, reflected in its slogan: “For Nature… For People… For Nigeria.”
She concluded by encouraging attendees to look to the future with renewed commitment, saying the fight against the plastic pollution crisis must remain a national priority.
