Nigeria faces worsening health crisis due to surging plastic pollution and inadequate waste management

Experts warn that Nigeria is at risk of a worsening public health crisis due to its escalating plastic waste problem. Stephen Ochigbo, a Professor of Polymer Chemistry at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, highlighted that over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually in Nigeria, with more than 70 percent ending up in landfills and water bodies. This indiscriminate disposal, driven by poor systems and reliance on single-use packaging, contaminates water sources, clogs drainage systems, and contributes to flooding and disease outbreaks. Ochigbo noted that plastics, many of which are non-biodegradable and petroleum-based, persist in the environment for hundreds of years. He urged chemists to research biodegradable alternatives like cellulose, starch, and proteins, and called for stronger waste management, stricter policy enforcement, and increased public awareness. Additionally, Ochigbo stressed the need for scientists to develop methods to convert polluted water into safe drinking water, as inadequate management of wastewater and contamination from crude oil exploration, open defecation, and mining activities reduce access to clean water. Dr. Jimlas Ogunsakin, a public health systems specialist, corroborated these concerns, stating that poor waste management is already fueling disease outbreaks such as cholera and typhoid in densely populated cities like Lagos. He emphasized that proper waste disposal and drain clearance can reduce disease cycles an