The Sterling One Foundation, in collaboration with Sterling Bank and the African Cleanup Initiative (ACI), has embarked on a nationwide beach and street clean-up across 17 states to tackle Nigeria’s growing plastic pollution.

Speaking at Alpha Beach, in Lagos, on Saturday, the chief executive officer of the Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, said the initiative seeks to address poor waste management, particularly along the nation’s coastlines.

Mrs Ibekwe said the collaboration demonstrates how plastics can be recovered, recycled and converted into value, citing innovations such as Waste Bank, which allows community members to exchange plastic for financial credits to pay school fees and healthcare.

Mrs Ibekwe described the clean-up as part of a broader campaign to strengthen environmental responsibility, promote a circular economy and encourage Nigerians to participate in preserving the country’s coastal ecosystems.

The divisional head, commercial banking at Sterling Bank, Akpore Idenedo, said the bank’s participation aligns with its corporate purpose to enrich lives and protect the environment.

Mr Idenedo noted that Nigeria generates between two million and 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with Lagos alone contributing about one million tonnes.

“This waste blocks drainage systems, affects aquatic life and worsens flooding. No single organization can solve this; collaboration is key,” he said.

Also speaking, Donatus Okpako, the chief marketing officer of Sterling Bank, said the clean-up promotes both environmental and human health.

Mr Okpako stressed that unclean beach communities face health risks, especially children, and added that maintaining clean coastlines boosts recreation and community well-being.

Alex Akhigbe, founder, African Cleanup Initiative (ACI), said ACI serves as the implementing partner for the project.

Mr Akhigbe noted that the programme aligned strongly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on climate action, life below water and life on land, as well as community empowerment.

“Our mission is to raise environmentally responsible citizens.

“Sterling One Foundation has supported us for four to five years across multiple communities, and this impact continues to grow,” he said.

The event was attended by environmental enthusiasts who came out in their numbers to clean the beach.

(NAN)