By Faridat Salifu
As Nigeria grapples with a mounting plastic waste crisis, Ondo State is emerging as a leader in tackling the issue through grassroots initiatives.
The state emphasized its commitment to separating plastic debris at the source, a crucial step toward increasing recycling rates and minimizing environmental harm, at the 2024 Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA) Summit, which was held in Ondo State on Thursday.
The summit, themed “Please Sort Your Plastic Waste from Other Solid Waste to Ease Recycling,” comes at a critical time for Nigeria, where plastic pollution has escalated into a major environmental and public health issue.
Addressing participants, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Honourable Minister of State for Environment, commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s leadership in prioritizing waste management through initiatives such as the “One Tree, One House” project and the deployment of solar energy across the state’s senatorial districts.
Ondo State’s efforts reflect a broader vision to align with national and global sustainability goals. According to Dr. Salako, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has placed a high priority on climate action, with Nigeria making significant strides in attending international environmental forums and developing policies to reduce waste.
Dr. Salako also highlighted the alarming growth of plastic waste in Nigeria, where nearly five million tonnes of plastic are generated annually, with less than 10% recycled. Most of this waste clogs waterways, litters streets, and pollutes ecosystems, pushing Nigeria into the top 10 global producers of unmanaged plastic waste.
“The need for action is urgent,” Dr. Salako remarked. “Plastic waste is overwhelming our environment, but simple changes like sorting waste at the source can have a massive impact on recycling efforts and environmental sustainability.”
The summit provided a platform for the state to reaffirm its commitment to creating a circular economy—one where resources are reused, and waste is minimized. This approach is central to the Federal Ministry of Environment’s newly launched National Circular Economy Roadmap, which aims to transform Nigeria’s waste management by 2050.
With Ondo State setting an example, the summit has sent a clear message: effective waste management begins at the community level. By sorting plastic waste from other solid waste, residents can directly contribute to a cleaner environment, reduce pollution, and protect biodiversity.
Ondo’s leadership in the waste sorting movement has sparked discussions on how other Nigerian states can follow suit, demonstrating that local initiatives, when aligned with national policy, can create substantial change in environmental health.