As the world celebrates the 2025 World Environment Day with this year’s theme, “Putting an End to Plastic Pollution”, Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) is calling on governments at all levels to focus on laws and policies that control plastic production, as a way of curbing its danger to environmental and human health.
Executive Director of EDEN, Chima Williams, while speaking on this year’s theme, stated that the uncontrolled production of single-use plastics and the uncontrolled release of plastic debris onto the land and marine ecosystems are facilitating widespread plastic pollution.
According to him, single-use plastics are dangerous to the environment due to their massive number in the ecosystem, which has found its way to our rivers, water ways, rivulets and drainages, destroying natural habitats and causing flooding across the country.
“Scientifically, it takes at least 400 years for a single-use plastic to decompose. It can only break down into micro plastics, polluting water and food sources. Also, the plastic production and disposal processes releases greenhouse gases which is also a major contributor to climate change.
“Plastic waste contaminates soil and water sources, posing as a threat to food production and human health. In rural areas, plastic pollution disrupts farming activities, as plastic waste impedes farming and contaminates farmlands. Furthermore, plastic waste in water bodies threatens aquatic lives, as marine animals ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, leading to injury and death.”
Williams pointed out that plastic waste will continue to be a hot environmental issue in Nigeria because production and distribution rates are not checked or regulated. He added that plastic pollution is bound to worsen in the country, due to the ever-increasing population that also drives consumption rates.
While proffering solutions on curbing plastic pollution in Nigeria, Williams called for laws and policies that hold producers accountable for every plastic waste they produce.
“Due to the wide use of plastic in the society, an outright ban on plastic may not be achievable immediately. However, the government can place restrictions on plastic production rates, and also hold companies who use plastics as their source of packaging responsible for the plastic waste they produce.
“Beverage companies and other producing brands can adopt a plastic recall system or engage waste pickers to collect their plastic waste from the environment.”
Williams also called on the government to promote effective waste management systems, encourage zero-waste policies and invest in recycling and repurposing plants that convert waste to other reusable materials.
He also charged CSOs and environmental groups to engage in more awareness campaigns on environmental protection and healthy waste management practices while also encouraging adoption of nature-based solutions as nature has provided effective alternatives to single use plastics.
Meanwhile, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), the operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and CNL, has said that it supports the global initiative to curb the plastic pollution menace as it aligns with the organisation’s commitment to protecting the environment while providing affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress.
Jim Swartz, CNL’s Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), explains that this year’s theme is consistent with the company’s values and environmental principles, which are anchored on considering the environment in decision-making, minimising environmental footprint, operating responsibly, and stewarding sites.
According to Swartz, “At Chevron, our commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in the responsible design, development, operation, and retirement of assets. We strive to implement business practices that support effective waste management activities and reduce the potential environmental, health, and safety impacts associated with plastic waste. We continue to assess and implement the reduction of single-use plastic water bottles by providing water dispensers. We have also invested in waste management equipment to shred, crush, and compact waste for recycling and re-use by third-party service providers. These actions have prevented our used plastics from leaking into our immediate natural environment.”
Swartz stated that CNL’s Operational Excellence Management System delivers industry-leading performance in process safety, personal safety and health, environment, reliability, and efficiency.
“Our focus on the environment during decision-making lays the foundation for sound environmental management. The company protects the environment through the entire lifecycle from responsible design, development, operations, and asset retirement,” he stated.
CNL’s CMD noted that CNL is advancing its lower carbon strategy by focusing on lowering the carbon intensity of its operations and by implementing methane detection and reduction capabilities.
“CNL utilises high-tech Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras for detecting fugitive emissions, and in the past 10 years, CNL has reduced routine gas flaring by over 97% in its operations,” he highlighted.
In 1992, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), established the Lekki Conservation Centre.
“This 78-hectare facility serves as a centre of excellence in environmental research and education, providing a sanctuary for the rich flora and fauna of the Lekki Peninsula,” disclosed the organisation.
In 2005, CNL began supporting an annual postgraduate research scholarship for PhD students in environment and conservation, instituted by the NCF. Additionally, the company hosts the annual S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture to promote environmental management awareness and partners with the Lagos State Government and NCF to sponsor the annual Walk for Nature event, aimed at creating awareness for nature conservation and sustainable environmental management.
Olusoga Oduselu, CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, emphasised the importance of protecting and conserving biodiversity.
“We have a long history of working in collaboration with communities, industry groups, regulators, and conservation groups to identify and protect biodiversity in parts of the world where we operate. For over 60 years, the company has remained an active agent of sustainable development and a strong advocate of partnerships in support of the environment,” Oduselu said.
As the world focuses on beating plastic pollution, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) says it will continue to partner with stakeholders to raise public awareness and create the transformative environmental change needed to advance towards a more sustainable world.
“This commitment aims to beat plastic pollution for ourselves and future generations,” says Swartz.