Leading
telecommunications provider, Airtel Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to
environmental sustainability with a nationwide campaign to combat plastic
pollution in commemoration of World Environment Day 2025. Themed “Ending
Plastic Pollution”, this year’s events demonstrated the corporate mission of
Airtel to champion environmental stewardship.
Tagged #UnPlasticAfrica, the company’s campaign
began on June 3, mobilizing employees across six operating regions for a week
of education, advocacy, and cleanup activities aimed at promoting sustainable
living, in alignment with global efforts to reduce plastic pollution.
The activities kicked off with a
Sustainability Seminar, led by Dr Hassan A. Sanuth, Director of Sanitation
Services at the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources,
and focused on the role of the individual in reducing plastic waste while
promoting practical recycling habits.
Following this educational session, all
Airtel Nigeria employees took the “Eco Pledge” to commit to reusable
containers.
In his remarks at the seminar, Chief
Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, reaffirmed Airtel`s dedication
to sustainability.
“As we invest in Nigeria’s digital future, we
are equally committed to protecting the environment that sustains us. From
AI-powered services that reduce paper use to partnerships that connect rural
areas without environmental disruption, we are embedding sustainability into
every layer of our operations,” he said.
Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Sanuth emphasized
the urgency of addressing the plastic pollution crisis, particularly in urban
centers like Lagos.
“Plastic waste is choking our drains,
polluting our water bodies, and threatening public health. Every little action
counts, from individuals making conscious choices to organizations taking bold
steps and together, our collective efforts can make a significant impact in
ending plastic pollution,” he noted.
He also highlighted the dangers of
plastic waste, noting that microplastics have been traced in food, water, and even
human blood and called for stronger policies and corporate accountability.
The highlight of the week was a market
clean-up and sensitization drive held by Airtel employees in Abuja, Oyo, Benin,
Enugu, and Kano. Airtel staff volunteers, in collaboration with local partners,
led plastic collection efforts, conducted environmental hygiene training, and
distributed over 3,000 branded reusable bags and parasols to market vendors and
shoppers.
The World Environment Day campaign,
nicknamed Earth Fest 2025, is part of Airtel Nigeria’s broader CSR Strategy, which
continues to integrate environmental stewardship into its organizational
practices.
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