In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, Airtel Nigeria, a leading telecommunications provider, has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by launching a nationwide campaign to combat plastic pollution.
This year’s global theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” resonated strongly with Airtel’s mission of environmental stewardship. The company’s initiative, branded #UnPlasticAfrica, commenced on June 3, engaging employees across six operational regions in a week-long series of educational seminars, advocacy drives, and community clean-up activities aimed at fostering sustainable living habits.
The campaign kicked off with a Sustainability Seminar featuring Dr. Hassan A. Sanuth, Director of Sanitation Services at the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. Dr. Sanuth addressed the pivotal role individuals play in reducing plastic waste and encouraged practical recycling behaviors to curb the environmental impact of single-use plastics.
All Airtel employees nationwide took an “Eco Pledge” to adopt reusable containers and minimize their personal plastic footprint.
In his keynote address, Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, emphasized the company’s dual focus on technological advancement and environmental protection:
“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.”
Dr. Sanuth echoed this sentiment, calling for urgent and collective action:
“Plastic waste is choking our drains, polluting our water bodies, and threatening public health. Microplastics are now found in our food, water, and even our blood. We need bold steps from individuals and corporate entities alike.”
The campaign’s highlight was a market clean-up and sensitization drive held simultaneously in Abuja, Oyo, Benin, Enugu, and Kano. Airtel employees, alongside local partners, led plastic waste collection efforts, conducted environmental hygiene workshops, and distributed over 3,000 branded reusable bags and parasols to vendors and shoppers in a bid to encourage eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics.
Dubbed Earth Fest 2025, the campaign is part of Airtel Nigeria’s wider Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, which integrates sustainability into business operations and promotes environmentally responsible behavior within communities.
Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to combating plastic pollution underscores its role as a catalyst for environmental consciousness in the private sector, aligning with global efforts to safeguard the planet for future generations.
