The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has warned that Nigeria risks catastrophic environmental and public-health consequences if plastic pollution continues unchecked, calling for urgent financing, stronger legislation, and nationwide behavioural change.
The warning was given recently by the chairman of the NCF National Execve Council, Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi, during the foundation’s 2025 Green Ball held in Lagos. Green Ball is one of the foundation’s flagship annual events.
Adebiyi, delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Board of Trustees President, Izioma Phillip Asiodu, said this year’s theme ‘Raising Finance to Beat Plastic Pollution’ reflects the country’s most pressing environmental threat. He noted that plastic waste has escalated into a national emergency affecting waterways, human health, marine life, and urban infrastructure.
According to him, Lagos alone generates an estimated 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, with 15–20 per cent of it being plastic, much of which ends up clogging drainages, worsening flooding, and finding its way into lagoons and oceans.
Globally, he added, about 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, while up to two million tonnes leak into oceans annually, poisoning fish and contaminating human food chains.
Adebiyi urged guests to pay close attention to the evening’s presentation on plastic pollution, stressing that “the consequences could be catastrophic if left unchecked.” He emphasized that the fight requires collaboration across government, industry, and individuals, especially as recycling remains expensive and Nigeria lacks sufficient processing facilities.
The chairman outlined practical steps citizens can take: reducing single-use plastics, sorting household waste, reusing containers, embracing recycling programmes, participating in clean-up campaigns, and advocating for stronger legislation. “The question begging for an answer is: What can I do? How can I help?” he asked. “We must all join hands,” he said.
He noted that pollution management is a major pillar of NCF’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, and that the organisation relies heavily on sponsorships and donations to fund conservation efforts. He expressed gratitude to long-time supporters including Chevron, the Lagos State Government, corporate institutions, and individuals, saying these partnerships are essential for sustaining NCF’s 44-year mandate.
Reinforcing the chairman’s message, Marie Fatayi-Williams, Chairperson of NCF’s Business Development Committee, said public awareness remains critical. She warned that plastic waste has become a direct health hazard for low-income communities, contaminating drinking water, blocking drainage channels, and exacerbating disease outbreaks.
“If the common man understands that microplastics enter the water he drinks and the fish he eats, he will realise this fight is for his benefit,” she said.
Fatayi-Williams added that the NCF has introduced incentive-based initiatives encouraging citizens to collect and return plastic waste in exchange for cash or goods. “There are two cries—the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor,” she said. “If we stop the earth from crying, we also stop the poor from crying,” she advised.
As the evening unfolded, Adebiyi urged guests to enjoy the Green Ball but remain committed to the environmental mission. “Let us continue to build on the legacy of our founding fathers,” he said.
