In commemoration of World Environment Day 2025, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in partnership with the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Lagos Mainland Chapter, hosted a special event at the LASEPA Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja.
Themed “Beat Plastic Pollution,” the gathering united environmental experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and concerned citizens to address the escalating threat of plastic pollution and to identify sustainable, community-driven solutions.
Delivering the welcome address, LASEPA General Manager Dr. Tunde Ajayi commended the tireless efforts of environmental professionals who have consistently championed environmental protection across Nigeria. He described their decades-long contributions as commendable and inspiring, setting a standard for future advocates.
Dr. Ajayi reflected on the evolution of consumer habits — from reusable containers and glass bottles to the overwhelming dependence on single-use plastics. Citing personal experiences with household plastic waste, he illustrated how deeply entrenched plastic consumption has become in daily life. He emphasized the urgent need to reverse this trend through a combination of awareness, policy reform, and practical action.
According to Dr. Ajayi, environmental professionals must take the lead in driving this shift. He reaffirmed LASEPA’s commitment to advocacy, enforcement, and incentivizing plastic recovery as part of its mission to safeguard environmental health in Lagos and beyond.
Chairman of the NES Lagos Mainland Chapter, Mr. Taofeek Adeosun, echoed similar concerns, noting that plastic pollution has remained a pressing global issue with dire implications for ecosystems and public health. He highlighted the disturbing presence of plastic waste in oceans and marine life, and referenced research showing microplastics now detected in human bloodstreams — primarily from beverages consumed in plastic packaging.
Mr. Adeosun called for heightened action in managing plastic waste and urged participants to actively engage in the proposed solutions.
A key feature of the event was a panel discussion that examined the environmental cost of single-use plastics and explored the role of the aviation industry in supporting circular economy objectives. Panelists discussed the shared responsibility of airlines, airports, and passengers in curbing plastic waste and called for stricter policies that promote biodegradable alternatives and enforce extended producer responsibility. Consumer behavior change was also highlighted as a crucial element of the solution.
The event concluded with a united call to action, reinforcing the urgent need for sustained advocacy, policy implementation, and collaborative responsibility.
Participants agreed that defeating plastic pollution will require a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to secure a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.
