Aminat Yahaya —
The Director-General, Nigeria Country Department of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Lamin Barrow has in a statement quoted to have been spoken at a Webinar to commemorate the World Environment Day, said addressing plastic pollution requires effective multi-stakeholder partnerships among the government, private sector, youth groups and civil society organizations (CSOs).
Barrow said the collaborative efforts would help to mitigate the challenges posed by plastic pollution and create a sustainable future for the continent.
He disclosed that this year’s theme of the World Environment Day is well-aligned with the AfDB’s priorities.
”Nigeria and other African countries must explore new strategies to control, if not entirely eliminate, single use plastic, he said.
”Among the crucial steps in combating plastic pollution is raising public awareness and educating citizens on environmental and health impacts of plastic waste pollution.
”Through comprehensive campaigns, leveraging various communications platforms, workshops and educational programmes, individuals can be sensitised to adopt environmentally friendly and sustainable practices to reduce, reuse and recycle plastic waste”, he stated.
While highlighting the negative consequences of plastic pollution and providing viable alternatives, he said awareness campaigns con inspire behavioural changes and promote responsible plastic consumption.
He added that it was important to mention some of the opportunities that plastics offered through repurposing and reuse.
”Specifically, the 2023 edition of the African Economic Outlook inaugurated recently at the Bank Group’s Annual Meetings in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, underscores the need for increased private sector participation.
”In financing environmental and climate actions in Africa, with specific focus on the role of natural capital and application of circular economy approaches for the efficient utilisation of our environmental assets.
”Finding lasting solutions to plastics waste pollution in Nigeria requires a combination of hard and soft interventions along the plastics value chain.
”To this end, we commend the Federal Government for supporting the Nigeria Plastics Action Plan (NPAP)”, he said.
