Compel Supermarkets to Channel Proceeds from Plastic Bag Charges to Climate Financing, NCF, Ford Foundation Tell FG

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), and the Ford Foundation, have urged the federal government to Compel owners of supermarkets to channel proceeds from plastic bag charges to climate financing.

The Director General of NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja stated this at the Youth-Focused Climate Event, held at Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, recently.

According to Dr. Onoja, who was represented by the Programme Development Manager of NCF, Mr Joshua Danzi, “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.
“These charges should not just serve as revenue for businesses.

“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.”
The federal government, Onoja said, should institute “policies on plastic usage to strengthen climate financing and secure environmental sustainability for future generations.”

The event, which was attended by school children, teachers, community leaders and environmentalists, was also used to mark the 65th anniversary of Ford Foundation.

It was designed to deepen awareness about climate change and to empower young people to become frontline voices in climate justice.

Onoja said climate change was already reshaping Nigeria’s environment, affecting farmlands, waterways and coastal communities.

He emphasised 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.

He also highlighted the need for stronger national policy direction, particularly regarding plastic pollution.

NCF’s Climate Change Lead, Mr Shittu Usman presented a detailed talk on the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity, rising fire outbreaks and their links to global warming.

Students from Refiners School, Lekki, presented “The Cry of the Waters,” a gripping narrative about marine pollution and community responsibility.
Mr Kasheen Abdulrasheed of Community Junior High School, emphasised that young people must take proactive steps to protect the environment, starting with reducing plastic waste.

Miss Elizabeth Lawal of Magbon Alade Junior Grammar School, urged policy makers to stop deforestation, protect forests and oceans, and enforce regulations on waste disposal.

There was painting competition, and Mr Adebayo Harmony took first place, followed by Miss Rukayat Balogun and Miss Hanata Opeyemi in second and third place respectively.

A students, Miss Annu Akinwalere of Magbon Alade Junior Grammar School said the event helped them understand climate issues.