Nigeria’s plastic pollution crisis and the pathway to recycling
Nigeria must adopt smarter waste management systems to turn its plastic crisis into a circular economy opportunity.
Plastic pollution is fast becoming one of Nigeria’s most visible and pressing environmental problems, from the sachets of pure water clogging drains to plastic bottles littering our streets and beaches. Recent research identifies Nigeria as one of the world’s biggest plastic pollution hotspots, second only to India.
According to World Energy Data (2024), Nigeria emits about 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, while ActionAid (2025) puts the figure closer to 2.5 million tonnes annually, with less than 15 per cent of that being recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, gutters, and waterways, contributing to blocked drains, flooding, and severe environmental damage.
Plastic pollution in Nigeria appears in many forms, from bottles and sachets to tiny fragments that enter our food and water. Common types include PET (used for bottled drinks and food packaging), PVC (used in plumbing and construction), and polystyrene (used in takeaway packs and cups). In major cities like Lagos, plastic makes up about 10–15 per cent of total waste, according to Down to Earth Africa. And with the rising growth in population and consumption, the problem keeps getting worse.
The health and community toll of plastic landfills
The effects of plastic pollution go beyond the litter we see on the roadsides and the visible disgust it brings to our faces. Large landfills in places like Igando, Ojota, and Agege in Lagos are filled mainly with plastic waste mixed with other refuse. When these dumpsites are burned or left to decompose, they release harmful chemicals and microplastics into the air and nearby water bodies.
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Studies by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have linked exposure to landfill smoke and runoff to respiratory infections, skin irritation, and other long-term health problems caused by chemicals like dioxins and phthalates from plastics such as PVC. People living near dumpsites like Olusosun in Ojota often report choking fumes, unpleasant odours, and contaminated borehole water. In Igando, overflowing landfills have polluted farmlands and reduced soil quality.
The danger is not just the presence of landfills but the lack of planning and management. Many are located close to homes, schools, and markets, exposing residents to toxins daily. When plastics break down, they release pollutants into the air and soil, and these eventually enter the food chain. This makes plastic pollution not only an environmental issue but a public health crisis that affects how people live.
The way forward
Tackling plastic pollution in Nigeria requires practical and coordinated action. The first step is to make waste separation part of everyday life. When plastics are sorted from organic and general waste, they can be more easily collected, recycled, and reused. This simple system can significantly reduce the volume of plastic ending up in landfills and waterways.
Financial incentives such as small cash rewards for returning plastic bottles can also motivate citizens to participate in recycling. This has worked in various contexts and can be applied in places like the markets, universities, and supermarkets where plastic use is high.
Nigeria’s informal waste sector, made up of thousands of pickers and small collectors, already contributes greatly to plastic recovery. However, many of them work without safety gear, fair pay, or proper recognition. Integrating them into the formal recycling system would increase efficiency and create more stable jobs.
Producers also have a role to play. Through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), companies can help fund the collection, sorting, and recycling of their packaging materials. This ensures accountability and encourages the design of more sustainable products.
Finally, public education is key. We, as Nigerians, must understand how improper disposal of plastics contributes to flooding, pollution, and poor health. Awareness campaigns, school programs, and community initiatives can change public attitudes toward waste and build a culture of recycling.
Why it matters for Nigeria’s future
Nigeria’s plastic problem is serious, but it is not beyond control. With better waste management systems, stronger policies, and community participation, the country can turn plastic waste into an opportunity for recycling, innovation, and job opportunities. Plastic pollution is not just about the litter anymore. It is now about the lives, health, and the environment it affects, and solving it begins with awareness, responsibility, and collective action.
