NESREA Launches Nigeria’s Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution Project to Protect Environment and Public Health
Abuja & Nationwide, Nigeria — The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has kicked off a landmark initiative to combat plastic pollution in Nigeria, bringing together government, international partners and local stakeholders to curb waste and build a healthier environment for present and future generations.
NESREA Leads Inception of “Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution” Project
In January 2026, NESREA formally launched the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Child Project 11193: “Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution in Nigeria” — a five‑year programme targeting the massive environmental strain caused by the country’s consumption of more than 2.5 billion litres of plastic water sachets annually. NESREA will act as the national executing agency in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other partners to drive policy reform, innovation, waste prevention and public awareness.
At the Abuja launch, Prof. Innocent Barikor, Director‑General of NESREA, explained that the programme adopts a circular economy framework — emphasizing waste reduction, reuse and recycling — and is expected to prevent over 350,000 metric tons of plastic waste, cut harmful emissions, and reduce almost 1.9 million tons of CO₂ equivalent.
The initiative also reinforces Nigeria’s growing leadership role in global environmental action, with representatives from UNEP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) underscoring the importance of multisector partnerships in turning environmental challenges into sustainable opportunities.
Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Environment and People
Tackling Plastic Pollution at Scale
Nigeria’s consumption of single‑use plastics — particularly sachet water packaging — has created widespread waste management challenges, contributing to blocked drainages, flooding and environmental degradation. NESREA’s new project introduces systemic solutions that aim to transform waste into economic and environmental gains.
Strong International Collaboration
By partnering with UNEP and the Global Environment Facility, NESREA positions Nigeria to leverage global expertise and funding while elevating local policy and enforcement capacities. This collaboration helps align national environmental priorities with international climate and sustainability goals.
Public Awareness & Stakeholder Engagement
The project’s emphasis on public awareness, innovation and private‑sector engagement reflects an inclusive approach to environmental stewardship, encouraging Nigerians, producers and civil society to play active roles in reducing pollution and improving waste outcomes.
NESREA’s Evolving Mandate
Established in 2007 under the NESREA Act to enforce environmental laws and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment, NESREA operates under the Federal Ministry of Environment and is headed by Prof. Innocent Barikor, its Director‑General/CEO. The agency’s mandate includes enforcement of environmental standards, pollution control, biodiversity protection and compliance with international environmental agreements.
The agency’s push toward innovative and collaborative solutions — such as the GEF‑supported project — demonstrates how government action can align environmental protection with economic and social development.
