Tomorrow, November 1, 2025, Yaba, Lagos, will come alive as thousands converge for the 19th edition of the Walk for Nature, a flagship environmental awareness campaign championed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, with support from Chevron Nigeria Limited.
This year’s theme — “Lagos, Let’s Beat Plastic Pollution” — underscores the urgent need for collective action against plastic waste, one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
For nearly two decades, the Walk for Nature has united government agencies, corporate bodies, schools, and communities in a shared vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos.
The 2025 edition places a spotlight on the city’s escalating plastic waste crisis.
Lagos generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, 15 percent of which—approximately 870,000 tonnes annually—is plastic.
Poor disposal practices continue to clog drainage systems, worsen flooding, threaten marine life, and ultimately endanger human health.
This year’s rally holds special significance as it will be hosted for the first time within a tertiary institution — Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) — reflecting a deliberate effort to engage and empower young Nigerians on environmental stewardship.
With more than 60 percent of Nigeria’s population under 30, organisers believe the youth are central to driving lasting behavioural and lifestyle changes for a sustainable future.
The 2025 Walk for Nature also aligns with recent policy strides, including the Lagos State Government’s ban on single-use plastics below 40 microns, a bold step toward reducing plastic pollution at its source.
Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General of the NCF, emphasised that the fight against plastic pollution begins with individual choices.
“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue; it is a lifestyle challenge that affects our health, our cities, and our future,” Onoja said.
“The 19th Walk for Nature is our way of calling everyone—especially young people—to take responsibility. Each time we refuse single-use plastics or choose to recycle, we move Lagos one step closer to a sustainable future.”
In preparation for the rally, a pre-walk motorised campaign was held on October 29 around the YABATECH campus to sensitise students and the public.
Over 2,000 participants, including students, volunteers, corporate partners, and environmental advocates, are expected to take part in the main event tomorrow.
Participation is free, and interested individuals can register online.
For the NCF and its partners, the Walk for Nature is more than an annual event — it is a growing movement for a cleaner Lagos, a greener Nigeria, and a healthier planet.
Reporting by Innocent Onoh