Environmental hazards: Nigeria must envision future without plastics – UNDP GEF

The United Nations Development Programme’ Global Environmental Facility Small Grant Programme has emphasized the need for Nigeria to begin envisioning a future devoid of plastics.

The National Coordinator of the UNDP GEF, Ibironke Olubamise urged Nigerian youths to pursue innovative solutions that could enable the country to eliminate its reliance on plastics.

Olubamise also called upon the government, organizations, and individuals to initiate efforts aimed at phasing out plastic usage.

She acknowledged that plastics continue to be prevalent globally, noting that it is essential to explore methods for managing and repurposing them to prevent waste that poses risks to human health.

During a plastic waste solution programme held in Abuja on Wednesday, Olubamise encouraged young individuals to consider upstream solutions to the issue of plastic waste.

Olubamise said, “You may also want to contemplate downstream solutions, which pertain to what we do after plastic has been produced. This is equally important, as many companies are still engaged in plastic production.

“On a global scale, plastic remains integral to nearly every facet of our lives. Therefore, I urge you to continue your efforts and strive to discover viable solutions.

“You never know what opportunities may arise, so I would like to express my gratitude to the organizers and to all of you who are participating, especially those who are actively involved.”