Multi-State Campaign Launched to Tackle Nigeria’s Plastic Pollution Crisis
Oluwafunbi Bello 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Sterling One Foundation, in partnership with Sterling Bank and the African Cleanup Initiative (ACI) have launched an ambitious 17-state clean-up campaign aimed at tackling Nigeria’s mounting plastic pollution crisis, with the country generating an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year.
Speaking at the launch on Saturday, Sterling One Foundation CEO Mrs Olapeju Ibekwe said the initiative goes beyond beach clean-ups to reshape how Nigerians view plastic waste. “We are demonstrating how plastics can be recovered, recycled, and converted into value,” she said. Through innovations such as Waste Bank, residents can exchange plastic for credits that can be used to pay school fees and medical bills.
Divisional Head of Commercial Banking at Sterling Bank, Mr. Akpore Idenedo, warned that Lagos alone produces nearly one million tonnes of plastic waste annually. “This waste blocks drainage systems, destroys aquatic life, and worsens flooding. No organisation can solve this alone collaboration is essential,” he stated.
ACI Founder Dr Alex Akhigbe said the initiative supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action and community empowerment. He described the project as one of Nigeria’s largest private-sector-led environmental interventions.
About the Author
Otamere Gladness 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Oluwatobi Adu