Mallam Balarabe Lawal, Nigeria’s Environment Minister, has issued a passionate plea for African unity against toxic plastics and persistent organic pollutants. Speaking at a workshop in Abuja, he warned these materials threaten ecosystems, health, and development across the continent. The event, organized by NESREA with UNEP and GEF support, addressed the growing crisis of hazardous plastics in Africa.
Lawal stressed the urgent need to eliminate plastics containing dangerous chemicals, especially in construction, electronics, and automotive industries. He framed this as both an environmental and social justice issue, stating Africa must reduce POPs to protect people and nature. These toxic substances linger for decades, poisoning food chains and increasing disease risks worldwide.
The new “Circular and POPs-Free Plastics” project targets two major problems: reducing intentional POPs in plastics and preventing unintentional POPs from poor waste management. Lawal revealed over 75% of Nigeria’s plastic waste gets dumped or burned, releasing toxins and worsening floods. This aligns with Nigeria’s plastic waste policy and climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Health risks took center stage as Lawal detailed how brominated flame retardants in everyday products cause cancer and developmental disorders. These chemicals accumulate in human tissues and environments, contaminating air, water, and soil throughout their lifecycle. Economically, polluted materials disrupt recycling efforts, though transitioning to safer alternatives could create green jobs.
NESREA Director-General Prof. Innocent Barikor called POPs a silent crisis, highlighting cancer-causing PBDEs in electronic waste. He emphasized these mutagens damage immune systems and persist indefinitely in nature. Nigeria’s 2021 electronics regulations will help manage contaminated waste through the new initiative. Barikor stressed this goes beyond compliance—it’s about protecting ecosystems and future generations.
Lawal called for united action across government, businesses, and communities to ensure project success. He urged stakeholders to combine regulations, innovation, and grassroots efforts for meaningful change. Both leaders framed POP elimination as a moral test of Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability and justice.
The minister closed with a powerful appeal for decisive action, reminding attendees their choices today will determine Africa’s environmental future. “We must act now, together,” Lawal urged, “to safeguard our people and planet for generations to come.” The workshop marked a critical step toward transforming plastic pollution policies into tangible protections for vulnerable communities across Africa.
This collaborative effort signals Nigeria’s leadership in addressing transboundary environmental threats while creating sustainable economic opportunities. As implementation begins, all eyes remain on how these commitments translate into cleaner industries and healthier populations continent-wide. The time for half-measures has passed—Africa’s environmental reckoning demands bold, coordinated solutions.
