The Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development has called for coordinated efforts by the Federal Government, oil corporations, civil society, and local communities to combat the growing menace of plastic pollution in the country.

The group made the call in a statement made available to Saturday PUNCH to mark the 2025 World Environment Day, themed “Ending Plastic Pollution in Global Perspective”.

CEHRD in the statement signed by its Head of Environment and Conservation, Tammy Cookey, described plastic pollution as one of the most pressing environmental threats facing the world today, with devastating effects already visible in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

The statement quoted CEHRD’s Coordinator, Nubari Nabie as saying: “Every year, over 400 million tons of plastic are produced globally, with a staggering portion ending up in our oceans, rivers, and even in the atmosphere.

“It is unfortunate that what started as a revolutionary invention to make life more convenient has now turned into a global crisis affecting wildlife, ecosystems and human health.”

Nabie lamented that plastic pollution had worsened flooding and severely impacted local livelihoods dependent on fishing and farming.

While acknowledging policies such as the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management and the proposed ban on single-use plastics, CEHRD further lamented the poor enforcement and minimal progress made so far, saying, “Despite good intentions, the pollution rate continues to climb.”

On his part, Programme Director of CEHRD, Styvn Obodoekwe, described the situation as alarming, calling for urgent and coordinated efforts to halt further degradation.

He advocated increased public awareness, stronger accountability for pollution, particularly from international and local oil corporations, and the implementation of people-friendly policies.

“The government, through agencies like the National Orientation Agency, must partner with Civil Society Organizations to educate citizens on the dangers of pollution,” Obodoekwe stated.


https://punchng.com/group-urges-end-to-plastic-pollution/