Nigeria is grappling with severe environmental challenges such as oil spills, desertification, and habitat loss, exacerbated by the most significant economic crisis it has faced in decades.
Due to extensive logging, cultivation, road construction, and industrial activities, 70–80% of Nigeria’s indigenous forests have disappeared, and climate change is expected to worsen these losses.
Amidst these challenges, Nigeria’s younger environmental campaigners are striving for a pollution-free future. Here are some of the notable eco-heroes making a difference:
Majekodunmi Desmond: He is an accredited experimental extension farmer for IITA Ibadan and a passionate environmental campaigner. He owns and operates Majekodunmi Agricultural Projects (MAP), Lagos’ only agroforestry-based conservation farm, part of which is designated as an Urban Forest Park (LUFASI). Desmond’s advocacy led to the removal of shipwrecks from the Lagos coast, prompting visits from the President of Nigeria and the Governor of Lagos to oversee the wrecks’ disposal.
Priscilla Achakpa: Priscilla Achakpa is a dedicated environmental activist and the executive director of the Women Environmental Programme. She has introduced thousands of women to sustainable solutions to common problems, such as rice husk-processing waste-to-energy devices, empowering communities with practical and eco-friendly technologies.
Wecyclers: Wecyclers provide a convenient home recycling service in low-income, densely populated neighborhoods using a fleet of affordable cargo bicycles. Their innovative approach not only promotes recycling but also enhances community engagement and environmental awareness.
The Development Association for Renewable Energies (DARE) in Kaduna is turning waste into opportunity by building homes from discarded bottles. This creative project aims to address both environmental and housing issues in Nigeria. The founders of DARE hope their bottle houses will inspire broader adoption of sustainable building practices.
Zero Plastic Community: Toluwalase Abiona’s Zero Plastic Community promotes environmental sustainability guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative focuses on reducing plastic waste and encouraging sustainable practices within the community.
These eco-heroes are leading the charge towards a greener, more sustainable Nigeria, demonstrating that innovative solutions and dedicated activism can make a significant impact on the environment.
