Nigeria's Government Tackles Marine Litter and Pollution

On February 16, 2026, the Nigerian Federal Government convened key stakeholders in Abuja to address marine litter and advance a circular economy. Mr.

Falmata Bukar Kolo, Deputy Director of the Solid Waste Management Technology Division, highlighted the growing threat of plastic pollution to aquatic ecosystems and public health, noting that microplastics have already entered the food chain. He emphasized the need for a stronger waste management system and improved enforcement of environmental regulations to encourage significant behavioral changes among citizens and businesses.

Mr. Clem Ugorji, Regional Coordinator of Protego, stressed the urgency for decisive action in light of Nigeria's marine litter crisis, which has serious environmental, economic, and reputational implications.

The event aimed to draft a policy input paper titled "Policy Institute Set to Finance Marine Litter Prevention in Nigeria," which will provide analytical insights and recommendations to address structural financial gaps that hinder effective waste management, particularly concerning plastic leakage into inland communities and waterways leading to the Atlantic Ocean.