Experts Warn About Environmental Pollution and Poor Sanitation

Dr. Mrs Ibukun Odusote, former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment and current Chief Executive Officer of Digital Peers International (DPI), urged a united effort to promote environmental sustainability, responsible plastic use, cleaner communities, and youth‑driven solutions to plastic pollution across the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.

Odusote highlighted the need for behavioral change, innovation in plastic waste management, support for enterprises, and the creation of sustainable opportunities for young people within the plastic value chain.

She also emphasized the role of informal waste pickers and recyclers, commonly known as Baban bola or babanbolas in Abuja and other northern states.

While many Nigerians have called for the removal of these individuals from city centres due to alleged criminal activities, Odusote pointed out their contribution to removing and recycling plastic waste from the streets.

DAILY POST reports that although many of these workers are honest laborers driven by poverty, the group remains controversial, with authorities and residents often linking them to organized crime, vandalism of public assets, and burglary in residential estates.

In response to public outcry and security concerns, the FCT Administration and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have imposed bans on scavenging within the city centre, restricting the activity to designated dump sites.

Speaking at the FCT clean‑up exercise under the DPI‑SG project titled “Deploying the Power of IT‑Engaged Youths in Effective Plastic Use and Plastic Waste Management 2.0,” supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Small Gra Programme (SGP), Odusote stressed that environmental responsibility is a collective duty.

She said, “Cleaner communities require collective action, commitment, and consistency from all stakeholders.”

“Baban bola, you don’t know the work you’re doing to keep the environment safe. We appreciate the good you’re doing in recycling plastic wastes…,” she added.

Also speaking during the cleaning exercise, Engr Sherifat Lawal, Divisional Head of the Waste Disposal Facility & Resource Recovery, represented by Eyo Maureen from the AEPB office, addressed concerns for the health of the environment and communities.

She said, “The environment is our shared home. The way we treat it today will determine the kind of future we leave for coming generations. Unfortunately, indiscriminate dumping of waste, poor sanitation practices, and environmental pollution continue to threaten public health, contribute to flooding, and damage our ecosystem.”

“Cleanliness is not only the responsibility of government agencies alone; it is a collective responsibility. Every individual, household, market, school, and organization has a role to play in keeping our surroundings clean and safe.”

“When we dispose of waste properly, recycle reusable materials, and maintain clean surroundings, we help to prevent diseases, protect our drainage systems, and improve the beauty of our communities.”