The Kano State Government has called for concerted efforts from individuals, organisations, and governments to combat plastic pollution.
The appeal was made as Nigeria joined the rest of the world in marking the 2025 World Environment Day.
Dr Dahiru Hashim, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, made the call during an event held on Wednesday in Kano to commemorate the occasion. He was represented by his Special Assistant on Environmental Sanitation, Abdullahi Shehu-Bichi.
Hashim noted that World Environment Day, established by the United Nations in 1974, is observed annually on 5 June to raise global awareness and inspire action for environmental protection.
This year’s theme, ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, draws attention to the urgent need to reduce single-use plastics and adopt more sustainable alternatives,”he said.
While acknowledging that plastic is a cheap, lightweight, and durable material, Hashim warned that its resistance to degradation poses a significant threat to the environment.
“Most plastics are used once and discarded almost immediately, often ending up in landfills, waterways, or as litter.
“Plastic pollution manifests in various forms, including marine debris, microplastics in water, and plastic netting that endangers aquatic life,” he said.
He emphasised that addressing plastic pollution requires coordinated action, as it not only harms the environment but also poses risks to human health.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Rahama Farah, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office, said plastic pollution remains one of the gravest threats to the planet, with over 400 million tonnes produced globally each year.
He warned that a significant proportion of this plastic finds its way into rivers, oceans, soil, and even the food chain.
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Farah said the 2025 theme, “Putting an End to Plastic Pollution”, serves as a global call to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics while exploring greener alternatives.
“In Kano today, we are marking the day by planting trees and collecting plastic waste as part of our environmental activities,” he said.
“These initiatives are in line with UNICEF’s global Green Rising campaign, which mobilises young people for climate action through volunteering, green skills development, and environmental advocacy,” he added.
