Airtel gives waste bins, mobilises for anti-plastic campaign
Airtel
Airtel gives waste bins, mobilises for anti-plastic campaign
Airtel Nigeria ended its 2025 World Environment Week campaign with a series of clean-up exercises across six states, aimed at tackling plastic pollution under the theme ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’.
The campaign, branded UnPlasticAfrica, saw participation from Airtel employees, market communities, community leaders and government partners, culminating in a market clean-up at the Elegushi Model Market, Jakande, Lekki, Lagos.
The initiative was supported by Ecobarter Company, a social enterprise committed to advancing circular economy practices, Nigeria’s second biggest telecom operator.
To promote environmental sustainability and support Lagos State’s ban on single-use plastic, Airtel distributed waste-sorting bins, parasols, and reusable tote bags with UnPlasticAfrica messaging to market traders and their customers.
The gesture was part of a broader effort to sensitise the public on responsible waste disposal and behavioural change.
Speaking on behalf of Airtel Nigeria CEO Dinesh Balsingh at the clean-up exercise, Director of Corporate Communications & CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, discussed the importance of community participation in safeguarding the environment and commended the market leadership for their openness and commitment to such impactful initiatives.
He said, “True environmental care starts with action: keeping our gutters and surroundings clean and ensuring that plastic waste never finds its way into our canals and waterways.
He continued, ‘The Elegushi market community has shown remarkable leadership by welcoming this initiative, and we are proud to have partnered with them to make a tangible difference as we commemorate World Environment Day 2025.’
“We believe that this effort will spark a ripple effect, inspiring communities across the nation to take bold steps towards a cleaner, healthier Nigeria.”
In her response on behalf of the President of the Elegushi Model Market traders’ association, Iyaloja Simbiat Ronke Lawal, the secretary of the trade association, Elizabeth Afolabi, conveyed the group’s appreciation to the volunteers and Airtel Nigeria as an organisation.
She commended the company for the clean-up initiative, which she noted would leave a positive impact on the market.
“We want to thank Airtel Nigeria and all the volunteers for coming to our market to help clean and support us. This has really helped us and made our market a better place. We are incredibly happy and promise to sustain what you have started here today,” she said.
The Airtel Nigeria World Environment Week campaign began on June 4 with an employee seminar led by Mr Balsingh, followed by market clean-up exercises at Bodija Market, Oyo State; Oba Market, Benin City, Edo State; Wuse Market, Abuja; Artisan Market, Enugu State; Yankaba Market, Kano State; and finally, Elegushi Model Market, Jakande, Lagos.
