In commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, Nestlé Nigeria has unveiled a broad-based multi-stakeholder coalition aimed at driving long-term environmental sustainability and accelerating circular economy initiatives across the country.
Building on six years of environmental awareness campaigns and community clean-up programmes, the newly established coalition marks a significant evolution in Nestlé Nigeria’s sustainability efforts. The initiative adopts a collaborative and systems-driven approach by bringing together government agencies, regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, recyclers, and development organizations to promote effective waste management and environmental conservation.
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The programme will be implemented across 12 locations nationwide through a series of environmental sensitization campaigns and community clean-up exercises designed to encourage responsible environmental practices.
With a focus on creating cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities, the initiative seeks to curb waste pollution, strengthen waste collection networks, and expand circular economy solutions through strategic partnerships and collective action. It is expected to boost environmental awareness, improve waste recovery systems, and encourage sustainable waste management practices, ultimately reducing the volume of waste entering public spaces and natural ecosystems.
The coalition further reinforces Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to achieving plastics neutrality and promoting responsible packaging solutions while supporting stronger recovery and recycling systems. It also serves as a practical model for effective public-private sector collaboration in addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Speaking during the launch, Victoria Uwadoka, Lead Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in achieving meaningful environmental outcomes.
“Sustainable waste management requires more than awareness campaigns; it demands shared accountability across the entire value chain. This coalition is designed to connect policy frameworks, infrastructure development, community engagement, and market-driven recovery systems to create lasting environmental impact,” she said.
Over the last six years, Nestlé Nigeria has collaborated extensively with stakeholders across the recycling ecosystem to improve plastic waste recovery and advance circular economy goals. Since 2019, these partnerships have facilitated the recovery of over 60,000 metric tons of plastic waste for recycling through organizations such as Chanja Datti, Wecyclers, and MECOM, significantly reducing plastic pollution and promoting resource reuse.
Within the organization, Nestlé Nigeria has also encouraged responsible waste disposal through its Employee Plastics Collection Scheme, an internal sustainability initiative that has successfully recovered more than 12,000 kilograms of plastic waste since its inception in 2022. The programme has strengthened employee participation and fostered positive environmental habits among staff.
The coalition comprises key players across the plastics value chain, including the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
Industry stakeholders participating in the initiative include the National Plastics Action Partnership (NPAP), the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership (CEIP), and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN).
Development partners supporting the programme include the Swiss Consulate and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while implementation is being coordinated by the African Clean-Up Initiative. The project is further strengthened through a strategic media partnership with News Central.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Environment at the event, Mrs. Olabimpe Adenaike, Controller of the Lagos Field Office of the Federal Ministry of Environment, praised the initiative for its contribution to environmental sustainability and climate action.
“This initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental protection, community development, and responsible environmental stewardship. It aligns closely with the Ministry’s mandate to promote climate resilience and environmental safety. We commend Nestlé Nigeria and its partners for advancing waste reduction, environmental awareness, and sustainable development through collaborative efforts. We encourage Nigerians to embrace proper waste disposal, recycling, and sustainable lifestyles as we collectively work towards a cleaner, greener, and healthier nation,” she stated.
As Nestlé Nigeria marks its seventh year of environmental action, the 2026 World Environment Day initiative signals a strategic transition from isolated interventions to integrated systems-based collaboration, reflecting the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable and measurable environmental impact for future generations.
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