LAGOS, Nigeria (FN) — The Lagos State Government has endorsed a new anti-plastic pollution initiative led by CreditPRO, a Nigerian finance and sustainability firm, marking a rare public-private partnership aimed at tackling the country’s mounting environmental crisis.
The campaign, launched this week, seeks to reduce plastic waste through community engagement, education, and corporate accountability. It comes amid growing concern over Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s largest generators of plastic waste, much of which ends up in waterways and urban slums.
CreditPRO’s initiative includes outreach programs in schools and markets, as well as collaborations with local businesses to phase out single-use plastics. The company said it will also support recycling efforts and promote alternatives to plastic packaging.
Lagos State officials praised the campaign as a model for corporate environmental responsibility. “We welcome this effort and encourage more companies to take bold steps toward sustainability,” said Tunji Bello, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources.
Nigeria produces an estimated 2.5 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. Less than 12 percent is recycled, while the rest contributes to flooding, pollution, and public health risks.
The government’s support for CreditPRO’s campaign aligns with its broader push to implement extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations, which would require manufacturers to manage the full lifecycle of their plastic products.
Environmental advocates cautiously welcomed the initiative, calling it a step forward but warning that voluntary efforts must be backed by enforcement. “We need systemic change, not just corporate goodwill,” said Aisha Lawal, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Conservation Foundation.
CreditPRO CEO Tunde Fagbemi said the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable development. “We believe businesses must lead by example in protecting the environment,” he said during the launch event in Lagos.
The campaign will initially focus on high-density urban areas, including Lagos Island and Ikeja, where plastic waste has overwhelmed drainage systems and contributed to seasonal flooding.
As Nigeria prepares to roll out stricter environmental policies, the success of CreditPRO’s campaign could serve as a blueprint for future collaborations between government and industry in addressing climate and pollution challenges.
