The Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign launches in Nigeria
- Blackson Olaseni Bayewumi
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
On 2nd July, Jabi Lake in Abuja served as the site of a major environmental clean-up initiative, bringing together volunteers, sports organisations, and Commonwealth partners to take collective action in protecting Nigeria’s waterways. The event was spearheaded by the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) Nigeria Branch, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Games Federation Nigeria, the National Sports Commission, the Rowing and Canoeing Federation, and members of the local community.
Jabi Lake, a man-made reservoir developed through dam construction, has long been at the centre of environmental efforts in the region. With its importance as both a recreational and ecological site, it has become symbolic of wider national and Commonwealth commitments to environmental protection and sustainable development.
Over the course of the day, volunteers removed 4,722 pieces of waste from the lake and its surroundings; part of ongoing efforts to reduce pollution and protect access to clean, safe water for future generations.
A highlight of the event was a speech delivered by Mr Blackson Olaseni Bayewumi, Country Director of RCS Nigeria. In his remarks, Mr Bayewumi celebrated the Commonwealth’s collective commitment to pressing global challenges such as marine pollution and climate change. He cited the alarming figure of 400 million tons of plastic waste produced globally each year, of which more than 12 million tons enter our oceans, devastating marine life and ecosystems.
Mr Bayewumi, Country Director of RCS Nigeria said, “The task ahead of us is to make our world a cleaner, safer, and better place for ourselves and the coming generations”
He also praised the voluntary nature of the Commonwealth, which fosters multilateral cooperation and grassroots action across diverse nations. Mr Bayewumi thanked the Nigerian government, stakeholders, and citizens for their strong willingness to act locally while thinking globally, reinforcing Nigeria’s leading role in environmental stewardship within the Commonwealth family.
The event demonstrated how shared values, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration can yield tangible progress in addressing environmental issues—showcasing the Commonwealth spirit in action at the heart of Nigeria’s capital.
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN
The Royal Commonwealth Society’s Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign will prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways.
The campaign will combine education and local action to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste, highlight alternatives, and reduce pollution across the Commonwealth.
For the action component of the campaign, the Royal Commonwealth Society has partnered with Commonwealth Sport to deliver the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign as a core component of The King’s Baton Relay. This newly envisioned King’s Baton Relay will focus on sustainability and environmentalism and was launched by His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day 2025, beginning a 500-day journey to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026.
Journeying through every Commonwealth nation and territory, this partnership will bring together young people, athletes, conservation groups, and the local community for a week of activities, including a plastic clean-up.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
