The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), in partnership with the Ford Foundation, has called on the Nigerian government to introduce clear policies mandating that proceeds from plastic-bag charges collected by supermarkets and restaurants be channelled directly into climate financing and environmental sustainability programmes.
The call came during a youth-focused climate justice outreach held in the Lekki local council development Authority (LCDA), an event designed to inspire young environmental advocates, through sports, art and creative expression.
Organised as part of activities marking the Ford Foundation’s 65th anniversary, the event gathered school children, teachers, community leaders and environmental advocates for a day of interactive sessions aimed at deepening awareness about climate change and empowering young people to become frontline voices in climate justice.
Activities included a football competition, on-the-spot painting, cultural performances, and essay presentations, all centred on the theme of climate justice, nature protection and behavioural change.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of NCF Director-General, Joseph Onoja, the Foundation’s representative, Joshua Danzi, stressed that climate change is already reshaping Nigeria’s environment, affecting farmlands, waterways and coastal communities.
He underscored the importance of grassroots engagement and noted that the collaboration with the Ford Foundation aims to make climate education more relatable, especially for young people in vulnerable communities.
Danzi also highlighted the need for stronger national policy direction, particularly regarding plastic pollution. He observed that many supermarkets and restaurants have begun charging customers for plastic bags, but without a structured government mandate on how the collected funds should be used.
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“These charges should not just serve as revenue for businesses,” he said. “They must be directed into climate financing or environmental sustainability projects. Nigeria, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, must ensure that every effort contributes to long-term climate solutions,” he added.
The event showcased a variety of youth-led expressions. The Ibeju-Lekki dance group delivered a cultural performance depicting the dangers of deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. Climate advocate, Shittu Usman, presented a detailed talk on the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity, rising fire outbreaks and their links to global warming.
Student voices dominated the programme, reinforcing the urgency of the climate crisis. Kasheen Abdulrasheed of Community Junior High School emphasised that young people must take proactive steps to protect the environment, starting with reducing plastic waste.
Lawal Elizabeth of Magbon Alade Junior Grammar School urged policy makers to stop deforestation, protect forests and oceans, and enforce regulations on waste disposal. Students from Refiners School, Lekki, presented “The Cry of the Waters,” a gripping narrative about marine pollution and community responsibility.
The competitive segments added energy to the day. In the painting competition, Adebayo Harmony took first place, followed by Balogun Rukayat and Hanata Opeyemi in second and third places respectively. Students described the programme as transformative, with Annu Akinwalere of Magbon Alade Junior Grammar School noting that the outreach has helped them to understand climate issues more clearly and inspired them to act.
Community leaders echoed the message of responsibility. Speaking for the NCC Climate Council, Lamide Babatunde, the Aro of Orimedun, said the programme has enlightened residents on proper waste disposal and the dangers of polluting the sea. He noted that the community now understands the need to reduce plastic waste and embrace environmental protection.
NCF noted that while awareness is rising, Nigeria urgently needs structured policies, especially on plastic usage, to strengthen climate financing and secure environmental sustainability for future generations.
