The ECOWAS Commission and the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Environment’s Department of Planning, Research, and Statistics commemorated World Environment Day on June 17, 2025. The event in Abuja focused on the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution” with the slogan “Beat the plastic.”
Mr. Yao Bernard Koffi, Acting Director of Environment and Natural Resources, delivered a message on behalf of H.E. Massandjé Toure-Litse and H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray. He highlighted the significance of the event as it aligned with ECOWAS’s Jubilee Year. Mr. Koffi emphasized ECOWAS’s commitment to environmental sustainability through measures like a regional regulation on plastic management adopted in 2023. He stated, “The ECOWAS Commission stands ready to work side-by-side with Nigeria and all partners to beat plastic pollution not tomorrow, but today.”
Honorable Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal addressed the global urgency of ending plastic pollution. He discussed Nigeria’s initiatives such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme, which holds producers accountable for their plastic products’ lifecycle.
Mr. Mahmud Adam Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, warned about the threats posed by plastic waste to ecosystems and public health. He called for effective policy implementation and investment in sustainable alternatives.
Representatives from organizations like UNICEF, Oando Foundation, OXFAM, and others attended alongside students from various schools. They emphasized the importance of a safe environment and recognized women and children as crucial agents in promoting community awareness for a greener future.
This collaboration between ECOWAS and Nigeria demonstrates their shared commitment to tackling plastic pollution through coordinated regional action and national policies.