The National Conservation Foundation (NCF) says it is partnering with the Nigeria National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), the Federal Government, and other stakeholders to curb the growing impact of plastic pollution on the country’s biodiversity.
NCF Director General, Dr. Joseph Onoja, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Inclusive Plastic Action and the national validation workshop for an assessment report on the effects of plastic pollution on biodiversity.
The event was organised by NCF in collaboration with NPAP and the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Onoja explained that plastic pollution is harming both land and aquatic ecosystems, with direct consequences for human health, noting that many aquatic animals contaminated by microplastics end up as food.
He said findings from an assessment conducted across six states showed that during the recycling process, plastics break down into microplastics, which become embedded in the tissues of fish and other aquatic organisms.
According to him, the dialogue aims to address existing policy gaps, challenges, and opportunities to integrate biodiversity–plastic pollution linkages into national environmental planning.
He added that the workshop also seeks to validate the assessment report, align it with national policy frameworks—including NPAP and Biodiversity Financing—and develop more inclusive strategies for informal waste workers such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“The dialogue is designed to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and co-create practical, context-specific solutions,” Onoja said.
“It will also identify clear entry points for integrating biodiversity–plastic pollution considerations into decision-making at national and sub-national levels.”
He added that NCF is working with the Global Action Partnership (GAP) to deepen understanding of how plastic waste threatens biodiversity.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Aliyu Auwal, Director of Communication and Strategic Partnership at the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN), called for policy reforms that would formally recognise waste pickers.
He said integrating them into the formal system would improve their welfare, provide access to health insurance, and support the creation of cooperative structures that can secure micro-insurance schemes for members.