Employees of Airtel Nigeria recently joined billions of persons across the globe to celebrate World Environment Day 2025, pledging to save the Earth from plastic pollution.
This year’s celebration centred on the theme Ending Plastic Pollution and the workforce of the leading telecommunications provider took the Eco Pledge to commit to reusable containers.
Airtel Nigeria, through its environmental sustainability campaign tagged #UnPlasticAfrica, mobilizing its employees across six operating regions from June 3 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 the Director of Sanitation Services at the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Hassan A. Sanuth.
This event focused on the role of the individual in reducing plastic waste while promoting practical recycling habits.
Mr emphasized the urgency of addressing the plastic pollution crisis, particularly in urban centres like Lagos, saying, “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 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 chief executive of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Dinesh Balsingh, in his remarks, said, “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.”
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 organisational practices.