By Abdullahi Lukman
The French government has called for stronger international cooperation—especially between Africa and the West—to combat the growing threat of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans.
Jean-François Hasperue, Deputy Ambassador of the French Embassy in Nigeria, made the call during a plastic waste awareness programme held on June 11, 2025, at the French Institute in Abuja.
He emphasized that the escalating presence of plastics in marine environments, from floating debris to microplastics consumed by fish, poses a severe threat to global ecosystems and human health.
Citing the ongoing UN Ocean Conference in Nice, Hasperue urged countries, particularly Nigeria and others across Africa, to unite in mobilizing policies, resources, and collaborative efforts.
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He highlighted the importance of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, which addresses ocean areas outside national control. France expects the treaty to reach 60 ratifications by the end of the week, enabling its implementation by January 1, 2026.
The French government, as part of its global ocean strategy, is supporting grassroots efforts in Nigeria through education and capacity-building, particularly in universities.
Hasperue announced a €100,000 fund dedicated to supporting recycling projects, including the installation of plastic micro-recycling plants at Nile University in Abuja and the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Sebastien Bede, Attaché for Scientific and Higher Education Cooperation, added that the French Embassy is working closely with Nigerian institutions to implement solutions to plastic pollution on campuses.
Five universities are involved in this initiative.
France is hosting 11 awareness activities across six Nigerian states in June, aligning local actions with global efforts to raise awareness and develop practical, community-based responses to marine plastic waste.
