NCF, Ford Foundation intensify calls for climate action

Director General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr Joseph Onoja

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The Nigerian Conservation Foundation, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, has called on the Federal Government to introduce policies mandating all supermarkets to channel proceeds from plastic bag charges to climate financing.

The NCF Director-General, Dr Joseph Onoja, made the call at the Youth-Focused Climate Event, held recently at Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. Onoja, who was represented by the NCF Programme Development Manager, Joshua Dazi, stressed that climate change was already reshaping Nigeria’s environment, affecting farmlands, waterways, and coastal communities.

He said, “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. There is a need for stronger national policy direction, particularly regarding plastic pollution.”

Onoja 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.

He noted, “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.”

Onoja added that Nigeria urgently needed structured policies, especially on plastic usage, to strengthen climate financing and secure environmental sustainability for future generations.

The event was also part of activities marking the Ford Foundation’s 65th anniversary. NCF’s Climate Change Lead, Shittu Usman, presented a detailed talk on the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity, rising fire outbreaks, and their links to global warming.

Meanwhile, Kasheen Abdulrasheed, of Community Junior High School, stressed that youth should proactively protect the environment, beginning with reducing plastic waste.

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

Josephine, a correspondent with The PUNCH has over two years experience covering the building industry and the personal finance ecosystem

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