Nestlé Nigeria has invested in the crucial, yet often overlooked, segment of the waste management value chain, by training 100 plastic waste workers in Lagos and Abuja. This initiative, part of the company’s Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) Training Programme, underscores Nestlé’s deepening commitment to environmental sustainability and social inclusion within Nigeria’s rising circular economy.
The programme, according to a recent company statement, is designed to enhance the safety and well-being of plastic waste workers and elevate their professional dignity within the recycling ecosystem.
Supported by key regulatory and industry bodies including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN), and the Food Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), the comprehensive training curriculum covered essential topics. These included best practices in occupational health and safety, responsible handling of recyclable materials, vital fire prevention and rescue techniques, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). In a demonstration of this commitment, each participant will also receive PPE kits to foster safer working conditions and promote healthier environments for both workers and their communities.
Victoria Uwadoka, corporate communications, public affairs, and sustainability lead for Nestlé Nigeria, explained the strategic rationale behind the initiative. She emphasised Nestlé’s commitment to building a waste-free future and acknowledged the pivotal role these workers play in realising that vision.
“At Nestlé, we are committed to building a waste-free future and recognise the crucial role plastic waste workers play in reducing pollution and facilitating a circular economy. This training is a vital component of our support for this key stakeholder group, enhancing Nigeria’s waste management infrastructure. By equipping these essential workers with the necessary skills and knowledge, we help to improve their quality of life while increasing their employability and boosting productivity within a sustainable waste management framework,”Uwadoka stated.
The initiative has garnered significant praise from government and industry. During the opening ceremony in Abuja, Innocent Barikor, director-general of NESREA, commended Nestlé Nigeria’s dedication to environmental sustainability and its prioritisation of the health and safety of frontline waste management personnel. “Waste workers are often unrecognised yet play a crucial role in our national effort to combat plastic pollution in our environment,” Barikor noted, adding that the focus on training waste workers is commendable, especially at a time when the world is seeking solutions to the prevailing challenges relating to plastic waste management.
Mayowa Elefin, managing director of Maladase Ecopreneur Management Company Limited, responding on behalf of the trainees at the Lagos event, underscored the practical impact of the programme. “This training is an impactful initiative which aligns with our commitment to promoting a safe, healthy, and sustainable work environment across our plastic recycling value chain,” Elefin said. He added that the programme has provided valuable knowledge and practical skills that will greatly benefit the staff, enhancing their capacity to maintain safe operations, ensure healthier workplaces, and ultimately improve productivity.
This collaborative effort, implemented by ImpactCrest Consulting, aligns with Nestlé’s broader dedication to enhancing quality of life and driving a healthier future for individuals, families, and the planet.
