Mirian Gom 
Officials of The Alternative Bank, Environment Ministry, Wuse Market Traders Association, and Abuja Environmental Protection Board at the Walk4ZeroPlastic event in Abuja.
ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria produces almost 5 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, a figure the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has described as a grave threat to the country’s health and environment.
Lawal, represented by Orume Dangiwa Ewa of the Solid Waste Management Division, spoke Friday at the Walk4ZeroPlastic initiative organised by The Alternative Bank in Abuja.
He said plastics now make up more than 15 per cent of Nigeria’s 32 million tonnes of annual solid waste, underscoring the urgency of tackling pollution.
“This campaign aligns perfectly with our national vision to drastically cut the plastic waste that ends up in our environment,” Lawal said. “By linking environmental responsibility with corporate social investment, The Alternative Bank shows that sustainability can drive inclusive national development.”
The Abuja event featured a symbolic walk, a market clean-up, and the donation of waste bins to Wuse Market, where traders, volunteers, and corporate partners joined efforts to promote recycling and responsible consumption.
Mohammed Abdul, Divisional Head (North) at The Alternative Bank, said the initiative demonstrates the importance of collective action. “Everyone has a role to play in building a cleaner, plastic-free Nigeria. Together, we can secure a future where plastic waste no longer threatens our health, economy, or planet,” he said.
The campaign, launched earlier in Lagos, will continue in Kano on October 4. Organisers say the programme promotes behavioural change and supports Nigeria’s transition toward a circular economy.
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