At the Green Earth Seminar Series held at University of Lagos this week, experts raised a stark warning that Nigeria is on the verge of becoming Africa’s largest generator of unmanaged plastic waste by 2050.
The event, themed “Sustainable Climate Action in Nigeria Through Waste Decarbonisation and Co-Processing Technology,” brought together thought leaders, policymakers, researchers, and private sector players to address one of Nigeria’s most urgent environmental challenges.
Emeritus Professor Babajide Alo, delivering the keynote address, painted a sobering picture of Nigeria’s waste crisis.
Among other things, he cited World Bank data that places Nigeria as the 10th largest contributor to global plastic waste, accounting for 2.7% of the world’s total.
Alo went on to warn that without urgent interventions, Nigeria could become the continent’s worst polluter in terms of unmanaged plastic waste.
“We generate over 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, with only 20 to 30 percent properly managed,” he said.
“Lagos alone accounts for 13,000 tonnes of daily waste, and despite commendable efforts by Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), we’re simply not moving fast enough.
“Most plastic waste ends up in rivers and oceans. These microplastics are being consumed by aquatic life—and by extension, humans,” he added.
Mrs. Amaka Onyemelukwe, representing the Coca-Cola Company at the event, outlined the firm’s strategies for sustainable packaging, but acknowledged that technological advancements alone aren’t enough.
“Behavioral change is at the heart of solving this. We need to educate and involve communities from the ground up,” she urged.
Prof. Bola Oboh, UNILAG’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), also showcased how the university is pioneering sustainable waste systems through student-driven initiatives, PET bin systems, and partnerships for innovation.
The seminar, which had series of panel discussions and expert deliveries, witnessed contributions from Dr. Natalie, Prof. Sunday Adebisi, Mr. Saka, Mrs. Rukayat, Dr. Essien of LAWMA, Prof. Kelechi Njoku, Prof. Lucian Chukwu, Prof. Kare Helge Karstensen from the Norwegian Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Prof. Asekun, Mr. Daniel Adedokun, Head of Geocycle at Lafarge, and a host of others.
Concerns were raised concerning the population and consumption trends in Nigeria, with fears being that without serious improvements in waste infrastructure, Nigeria will likely experience a waste crisis with major environmental and economic consequences.
It was said that by 2050, if waste management systems are not improved, Nigeria is projected to surpass Egypt and South Africa, becoming Africa’s top generator of unmanaged plastic waste.
In their final recommendations, stakeholders at the seminar called for a national waste management framework with clear milestones, incentives for recycling innovation and infrastructure investment, stronger public-private partnerships, and a registry of chemical producers and markets, as proposed by Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
The event closed with a clear message: with the right policies, investments, and public awareness, the country can turn the tide on plastic pollution and chart a course toward a more sustainable, healthier future.
Editorial1 year ago