Renowned environmentalist and former President of the Nigerian Environmental Society, Andah Wai-Ogosu, has called for immediate and comprehensive action to address the growing plastic waste crisis in Nigeria.
In an exclusive interview, Wai-Ogosu warned of the serious environmental and public health risks posed by the indiscriminate disposal and poor management of plastic waste across the country.
“Plastic is derived from crude oil and natural gas, which means it has a high hydrocarbon content,” he explained. “When burned, it releases pollutants into the atmosphere that are harmful to human health and contribute to environmental degradation.”
He emphasized that while plastics have become an integral part of modern packaging—used in food storage, consumer goods, and commercial products—their widespread use has resulted in a mounting waste problem. Most plastics are non-biodegradable and often end up in landfills, drainage systems, or water bodies, where they persist for decades.
“When plastics end up in dump sites or water bodies, the consequences are severe,” he said. “Some float and pollute the surface, while others sink and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. This affects not only marine life but also threatens long-term environmental sustainability.”
Wai-Ogosu, a prominent advocate for sustainable development in the Niger Delta and respected voice within the Ogoni Nationality, also drew attention to the link between plastic pollution and urban flooding. He cited Port Harcourt, a coastal city in southern Nigeria, as a striking example of the crisis.
“In Port Harcourt, just visit the waterfronts—plastic waste litters the landscape and clogs water channels,” he said. “This is a direct result of indiscriminate plastic disposal and poorly maintained drainage systems. When drains are blocked, flooding becomes inevitable.”
He further warned that the resulting floods cause property damage, displace residents, and heighten the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
Wai-Ogosu urged local, state, and federal governments to take decisive action by enforcing stricter waste disposal laws, investing in modern recycling infrastructure, and conducting widespread public
