Speaking in commemoration of the 2025 World Environment Day, themed “Ending Plastic Pollution,” HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, emphasised that plastic waste, particularly from the fast-growing sachet economy, has become a critical environmental challenge in Nigeria and across West Africa.
“Plastic pollution is no longer just an environmental issue; it is a public health emergency. In Nigeria alone, an estimated 50 to 60 million water sachets are discarded into the environment daily. These end up clogging our streams, rivers, and oceans, severely affecting aquatic life and human livelihoods
”He pointed out that single-use plastics, particularly polythene terephthalate (used in food and beverage packaging), polyvinyl chloride (used in plumbing and clothing), and polystyrene (used in packaging and electronics) have saturated both urban and rural landscapes. As the world’s largest environmental remediation effort continues in Ogoniland, HYPREP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable solutions and citizen-driven action to reduce plastic pollution.
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To this end, HYPREP has launched several initiatives: Replaced plastic bags with Growcoons in mangrove nurseries to support nature-based reforestation. Implemented a ban on single-use plastics across its Project Coordination and Area Offices, extending this to project sites.
Established environmental clubs (HYPREP Green Frontiers) in secondary schools to raise environmental awareness among youths.Mobilised clean-up campaigns, including a major cleanup of the Bomu Creeks in Gokana Local Government Area. Promoted education among fisherfolk and local communities to reduce the dumping of plastic waste in waterways.
To mark World Environment Day 2025, HYPREP and the Green Frontiers environmental clubs will lead a sensitisation campaign at the Bomu fishing port, engaging with local fisherfolk on practical steps to reduce plastic waste in creeks and coastal areas.“This multi-stakeholder campaign is a call to action for government agencies, private sector actors, civil society groups, and local communities.
We must work together to enact and enforce policies, change harmful practices, and support sustainable alternatives to plastic use,” Prof. Zabbey said. He reaffirmed HYPREP’s ongoing collaboration with government institutions, CSOs, and international partners to tackle plastic pollution in the Niger Delta and beyond. “Together, we can end plastic pollution and achieve long-term environmental sustainability for future generations,” he concluded.
