In commemorating this year’s World Environment Day, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has inspired young people, youth groups, and movements to showcase innovative plastic recycling solutions aimed at combating pollution.
Tagged #BeatPlasticPollution in line with the theme for 2025 World Environment Day, this innovative idea aligns with AAN’s climate consciousness value and forms a part of a broader global mobilisation to implement and advocate for lasting solutions to #BeatPlasticPollution, according to Favour Ikpe, Chairperson for AAN’s Youth Forum while representing the AAN’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu at the Innovation Day, earlier today.
Ikpe added that the Innovation strategic partnership became a reality through agreement with between AAN and ActionAid Denmark and support from Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA).
“This partnership seeks to introduce engagements that promote youth activism and social movements in solidarity with civil society organizations, Community-based organisations, and other allies.”
“The #BeatPlasticPollution Innovation Day was designed to spotlight scalable solutions, and advocate for lasting action against plastic pollution in Nigeria
“Aligned with its new Country Strategy Paper (CSP 2024–2034), this innovative event reinforces ActionAid’s commitment to building secure, resilient, and thriving communities through youth agency and environmental sustainability.’ she said.
In her words: “the impact of plastic waste is right in front of us. In Nigeria alone, we generate over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, but less than 10% is recycled. That means the rest ends up in our drainages, our farmlands, our oceans, and these are harming our health and destroying livelihoods.”
Ikpe stressed that there’s a big economic opportunity for a developing nation like Nigeria, if we could fully channel more resources and innovation into combating the plastic pollution across the country.
“Globally, the recycled plastics market is projected to hit over $107 billion by 2032. Nigeria’s circular economy alone is already worth over $10 billion, and growing. The African Development Bank says that if we transition fully, Africa could unlock $350 billion in new economic opportunities by 2030.” she added.
One of the participants at the innovation Day, Olumide said being part of an innovative activity such as the innovation Day has brought a lot of creative ideas to end plastics pollution.
“I have been getting several ideas to tackle plastic pollution that would equally improve my economic status since I got an opportunity to be part this brilliant initiative by Actionaid Nigeria.” he said.