By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria Federal Ministry of Environment has hosted major stakeholders to validate a new policy brief aimed at addressing marine litter as part of the country’s shift toward a circular economy.
The policy framework seeks to curb plastic pollution that continues to threaten aquatic ecosystems, public health and economic sustainability across coastal and inland communities.
Officials at the event held in Abuja warned that plastic waste, particularly microplastics, has already entered the food chain through fish consumption, raising serious health concerns for Nigerians.
They also highlighted how blocked waterways, soil contamination, and the burning of plastic waste are intensifying environmental degradation and contributing to climate change.
The ministry stressed that while plastics remain widely used for daily activities, their non-biodegradable nature allows them to persist in the environment for decades.
Stakeholders were urged to strengthen waste management systems, enforce environmental regulations more effectively, and encourage behavioural change among citizens and businesses.
Participants noted that marine litter is no longer just an environmental issue but one that carries economic and reputational consequences for the country.
They expressed optimism that the newly endorsed roadmap covering the period from 2025 to 2040 would move Nigeria from prolonged discussions into practical action.
The validation workshop was organised in partnership with PROTEGO, a regional initiative focused on preventing waste leakage into coastal waters.
Discussions focused on a draft policy input paper examining existing policies, institutional structures, and financing gaps that have slowed progress in waste control.
The document outlines strategies to stop plastic waste from flowing from inland communities through rivers and drainage systems into the Atlantic Ocean.
Organisers explained that tackling these structural weaknesses is essential to reducing marine pollution and building a more sustainable waste economy.
PROTEGO is supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection and led by adelphi.
Implementation in Nigeria is being carried out by WASTE Africa in collaboration with the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre.
The policy brief forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the capacity of public institutions responsible for environmental protection.
Stakeholders agreed that long-term success would depend on coordinated government action, private sector participation, and community engagement.
They concluded that tackling marine litter is critical not only for environmental preservation but also for protecting livelihoods, food security, and Nigeria’s global environmental standing.