Nestlé Coalition Recover Over 4.5 Tonnes Of Waste In Nationwide Sensitization, Clean-Up Campaign
Nestlé Nigeria and its coalition partners have effectively concluded the 2026 World Environment Day community sensitisation and clean-up campaign across 12 locations nationwide, mobilising hundreds of volunteers and stakeholders in a coordinated effort to promote environmental sustainability and responsible waste management.
According to a statement signed by Toju Egbebi, Corporate Affairs Manager, the initiative brought together volunteers, community members, government agencies, industry stakeholders and recycling organisations in a nationwide campaign aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and strengthening waste recovery systems.
The statement revealed that a total of 424 volunteers participated in the exercise, resulting in the recovery of 4,507.8 kilograms of solid waste and 48.2 kilograms of recyclable materials across the participating locations.
Data provided by the African Clean-Up Initiative (ACI) and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN) indicated that the recovered waste was processed through approved recycling and disposal channels, helping to reduce environmental pollution and improve public sanitation.
Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Victoria Uwadoka, Lead Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria, highlighted the importance of community participation in driving sustainable environmental outcomes.
“Environmental progress is most sustainable when communities see themselves as active participants rather than observers.
“What encouraged us most this year was not only the volume of waste recovered, but the willingness of volunteers, partners and community members to work together towards a shared goal.
“Lasting environmental progress depends on that sense of collective ownership, and it is often through small actions taken together that meaningful change begins,” she said.
The clean-up and sensitisation activities were implemented through Nestlé Cares, the company’s employee volunteering programme, alongside volunteers from 15 organisations that form part of the environmental coalition unveiled ahead of World Environment Day.
Activities took place across Lagos, Abuja, Agbara, Jos, Kano, Enugu, Awka, Ota, Abaji, Sagamu, Port Harcourt and Ibadan.
Nestlé explained that the programme was executed through a multi-stakeholder framework involving government institutions, regulators, industry groups, development partners and recyclers, ensuring alignment with national environmental objectives and sustainability priorities.
At the Abuja activation, the Honourable Minister of Environment who was represented by Mrs. Adeola Omotunde, Director of the Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department at the Federal Ministry of Environment underscored the need for collective responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.
“Addressing environmental challenges requires consistent action at all levels. Initiatives such as this demonstrate how government, private sector and communities can work together to drive responsible environmental practices and deliver real impact,” she said.
On her part, Mrs. Esther Chibueyin Fagbo, representing the Country Manager of the National Plastics Action Partnership (NPAP), described the initiative as a practical example of the collaboration required to tackle Nigeria’s growing plastic pollution challenge.
“Nigeria’s plastic pollution challenge requires bold, collaborative action, and this initiative demonstrates the value of bringing together communities, partners and the private sector around a shared goal. We are proud to have supported this effort and look forward to continuing our collaboration to advance circular economy solutions that create environmental and economic value,” she added.
Nestlé Nigeria said the campaign reflects its continued commitment to creating shared value through partnerships that promote cleaner communities, stronger waste recovery systems and circular economy practices. The company reiterated its resolve to work with stakeholders across the country to advance sustainable environmental solutions and support long-term ecological resilience.