By: Mercy Peter
ActionAid Nigeria has urged Nigeria to tap into the billion dollars plastic waste economy.
AAN also threw its weight behind the ban of single -use plastics in Lagos.
ActionAid Country Director, Andrew Mamedu spoke on Wednesday 11 June 2025 at the “beat Plastic pollution innovation day in commemoration of World Environment Day in Abuja.
Mamedu who was represented by Favour Ikpe, Chair of ActionAid Nigeria young people’s forum, described Lagos state government action as a bold step.
He also challenged other states to follow suit.
“This is why Lagos’ decision to ban single-use plastics from July 1 is bold and necessary — and we’re calling on other states, and the National Assembly, to follow that lead.”
Mamedu also pointed out the need to take the opportunities the waste provided.
He said 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste is generated annually in Nigeria.
He however lamented that less than 10% of the waste is recycled, while the rest constitutes harm to the environment.
He therefore called for investment in recycling infrastructure and also support for the young Nigerians that are providing solutions.
He said: “To cut down drastically on single-use plastics,Invest in recycling infrastructure and Support the brilliant young people already building solutions from the grassroots.”
He stressed: “Let’s face it: 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.
“But here’s the powerful part: change is already happening — and it’s being driven by young people. – INSERT A SLOGAN
Nigeria is a young country — nearly 70% of our population is under 30. And we’re not sitting around waiting for change. We’re making it happen.
“Across the country, young people are taking plastic waste and turning it into opportunity — building startups, designing solutions, and creating sustainable alternatives.
“And there’s a big economic opportunity here. 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.
“But we need the right systems to make this real. In Lagos, for example, the recycling economy was worth ₦18 billion in 2021 — yet 80% of the city’s waste still isn’t formally collected. That’s over $2.5 billion in lost value every year.
“Let’s reward innovation. Let’s fund community-led efforts. Let’s create policies that empower young recyclers and scale up sustainable solutions.
“Plastic may be part of the problem — but with the right approach, it can also be part of the solution. If we rethink, reuse, and recycle, we can turn pollution into possibility.”
He said what is needed today is to reimagine plastic — not as pollution, but as potential.
“So today isn’t just about raising awareness — it’s about celebrating action. From the live demos to the amazing gallery displays, what you’ll see here are examples of how youth are flipping the script. This is what transformation looks like,” he posited.
