The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and Chevron Nigeria Limited, has held the 19th edition of its annual Walk for Nature, a flagship event promoting environmental sustainability and collective action against pollution.
The 2025 edition, themed “Lagos, Let’s Beat Plastic Pollution,” took place on Saturday, November 1, at Yaba College of Technology. According to a statement by the organisers, the event has, for nearly two decades, served as a rallying point for government agencies, private sector partners, students, and community members to advocate for a cleaner and healthier environment.
This year’s focus on plastic pollution reflects growing global and local concern about the environmental and health hazards posed by waste mismanagement. Lagos alone generates an estimated 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, with roughly 15 per cent, about 870,000 tonnes annually, made up of plastic. Improper disposal continues to clog drainage systems, worsen flooding, and harm marine life, ultimately threatening human health through the food chain.
Marking a milestone, the walk was held for the first time within a tertiary institution. The NCF explained that the choice of Yaba College of Technology was driven by the need to engage and empower young people, who make up more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population, to adopt responsible waste management practices. The 2025 edition also came just months after the Lagos State Government banned single-use plastics below 40 microns, underscoring the urgency of the advocacy.
Speaking at the event, NCF Director General Dr Joseph Onoja described plastic pollution as “not just an environmental issue, but a lifestyle challenge that affects our health, our cities, and our future.” He urged participants, particularly young people, to take personal responsibility through everyday actions.
“The 19th Walk for Nature is our way of calling everyone, especially young people, to take responsibility for their choices. Each time we refuse single-use plastics or choose to recycle, we move Lagos one step closer to a sustainable future,” he said.
The annual walk continues to stand as a powerful example of collaboration between government, private sector, and citizens in the fight for environmental protection and sustainable living in Lagos.
