ECOWAS, Nigeria push for regional action against plastic waste

ECOWAS, Nigeria push for regional action against plastic waste

As nations around the world marked World Environment Day, the Economic Community of West African States Commission and the Ministry of Environment joined forces to spotlight the urgent need to combat plastic pollution across West Africa.

This year’s theme, “Together, We Can Beat Plastic Pollution,” resonated throughout the celebration held in Abuja on Tuesday, stressing the regional collaboration, environmental responsibility, and action over words.

Delivering the goodwill message on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Massandje Toure-Litse, highlighted the occasion’s significance during the ECOWAS Jubilee Year, a milestone marking 50 years of regional solidarity.

“It is fitting that in this landmark year, we reaffirm our commitment to a clean, resilient, and sustainable environment for future generations.

“Plastic pollution is not only a global menace but a regional and national crisis.

“There is growing recognition that plastic pollution is a transboundary problem that requires a coordinated regional response,” Toure-Litse said.

The commissioner represented by the Acting Director, Environment and Natural Resources, Yao Bernard Koffi, cited data from the World Bank, revealing that West Africa produces nearly eight million metric tonnes of plastic waste annually, with over 80 percent of it poorly managed posing dire consequences to human health, marine ecosystems, and the economy.