By Faridat Salifu
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Initiative for the Advancement of Waste Management in Africa (Waste Africa) have called for urgent measures to reduce marine plastic pollution, warning that by 2050, oceans could contain more plastic than fish if current trends continue.
The stakeholders emphasized that reducing plastic pollution, particularly through recycling, is essential not only for preserving aquatic life but also for sustaining the blue economy, a key sector for global development.
Speaking during a recent project review session in Abuja, focused on recycling marine plastic waste in the Usuman and Wupa Rivers, GEF National Coordinator Mrs. Ibironke Olubamise stressed the significance of addressing marine plastic pollution.
“Plastic pollution has become a menace both on land and at sea, threatening aquatic ecosystems and human health,” she said. Olubamise noted that plastics, once in the ocean, are difficult to retrieve and often mistaken for food by marine animals, leading to harmful consequences for marine life and humans who consume seafood.
The initiative, a UN Development Programme (UNDP) project, aims to avert these dangers by promoting recycling in communities along the affected rivers. By removing plastic waste from waterways, the project directly contributes to the blue economy, which depends on healthy oceans for industries such as fisheries, tourism, and marine transport.
Ms. Juliet Odhikori, Programmes Director of Waste Africa, echoed these concerns, highlighting Nigeria’s significant contribution to global marine plastic pollution. “With over 80% of Nigeria’s plastic waste mismanaged, we are one of the largest contributors to marine pollution globally,” she said. Odhikori emphasized that addressing this issue is not only vital for protecting marine ecosystems but also for unlocking the full potential of the blue economy.
As part of the recycling initiative, 10 recycling clusters and two recycling hubs will be established, empowering 500 women recyclers in 10 communities around Abuja.
The project, expected to recover and recycle 468 tonnes of waste, aims to reduce the volume of recyclable plastics littering drainage systems by 80%. This will not only enhance environmental sustainability but also provide stable incomes to 200 community members and support 100 local waste pickers.
The economic benefits of this initiative extend beyond pollution reduction. By restoring the health of aquatic ecosystems, the project will create opportunities for sustainable fisheries, boost eco-tourism, and support industries reliant on clean waterways—all essential pillars of the blue economy.
The District Head of Pyakasa, Gaza Stephen, commended the initiative, urging community members to prioritize cleanliness to support the broader environmental and economic goals of the project.
One beneficiary, Biliqis Ahmed from Chika community, praised the training and support provided by GEF, noting that the skills acquired will empower her to contribute to a cleaner environment and a more sustainable local economy.
Through this initiative, Nigeria is taking a crucial step toward safeguarding its marine resources, ensuring that the blue economy can thrive by 2050, free from the threat of overwhelming plastic pollution.