Nigeria’s National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has revealed that the country consumes over 2.5 billion liters of sachet water annually, produced by more than 32,000 manufacturers. This staggering figure was disclosed by NESREA’s Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, at the inception meeting of the “Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution in Nigeria” project in Abuja.
The project, also known as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Child Project 11193, aims to reduce plastic sachet water consumption while ensuring access to safe drinking water. Barikor emphasized that the project marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to address the growing challenge of plastic pollution. The widespread use of single-use plastic water sachets has become both a convenience and an environmental burden, resulting in blocked drainage systems, flooding, and degradation of ecosystems.
The project adopts a holistic approach, focusing on waste management, prevention, innovation, policy reform, and systemic change. It aligns with Nigeria’s national environmental priorities and NESREA’s mandate to protect and preserve the environment for present and future generations. The GEF Child Project 11193 represents a strategic and transformative intervention to address the issue of waste management in the country.
International partners, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), have expressed their commitment to supporting Nigeria in reducing plastic pollution. Isabella Vanderbeck of UNEP emphasized the importance of reducing plastic use, while Evelyn Swain of GEF reiterated the organization’s commitment to partnering with Nigeria to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic water sachets.
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has also expressed its readiness to collaborate with NESREA for the success of the project. The ministry’s Chief Scientific Officer, Zuliat Mohammed, stated that the program will help Nigeria eliminate plastic products in the country. The project’s success is crucial in addressing the environmental and health challenges posed by plastic pollution in Nigeria. With the support of international partners and the commitment of local stakeholders, the country is taking a significant step towards reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices.
