Nestlé Nigeria Launches Multi-Stakeholder Coalition To Deepen Environmental Action Across 12 Locations

Nestlé Nigeria has launched a broad-based coalition of government agencies, regulators, industry groups, recyclers and development partners to strengthen environmental sustainability efforts and scale waste management initiatives across the country as part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day.

The company said the coalition represents a significant evolution of its environmental programme, moving beyond awareness campaigns to a more coordinated, systems-driven approach aimed at advancing circular economy outcomes and reducing waste leakage into the environment.

The initiative, which will be implemented in 12 locations nationwide, will feature community sensitisation campaigns and clean-up exercises designed to promote responsible waste management, strengthen collection systems and support waste recovery efforts.

According to Nestlé Nigeria, the programme seeks to build more sustainable and resilient communities by encouraging collective action among stakeholders across the plastics value chain while contributing to cleaner public spaces and improved environmental outcomes.

Speaking at the launch, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, said effective waste management requires collaboration and accountability among all actors involved in the value chain.

“Waste management outcomes improve when intervention shifts from awareness alone to shared accountability across the value chain. This coalition is designed to connect policy, infrastructure, community action, and market-based recovery systems in a way that can deliver more durable environmental results,” she said.

The coalition underscores Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to plastics neutrality and responsible packaging while promoting stronger waste recovery systems and deeper collaboration among stakeholders.

The company described the initiative as a scalable model for public-private sector cooperation in tackling environmental challenges.

Nestlé Nigeria highlighted its track record in environmental sustainability, noting that it has worked with various partners since 2019 to strengthen plastic waste recovery and support circular economy objectives.

A cross-section of the multi-stakeholder coalition convened by Nestle Nigeria to drive sustained environmental action in commemoration of 2026 World Environment Day.

According to the company, collaborations with organisations including Chanja Datti, Wecyclers and MECOM have facilitated the recovery of more than 60,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste for recycling over the past six years, diverting substantial volumes of plastic from the environment and returning them to productive use.

The company also pointed to its internal Employee Plastics Collection Scheme, launched in 2022, through which more than 12,000 kilograms of plastic have been recovered. The initiative, it said, has helped drive employee participation in responsible waste management practices and encouraged positive behavioural change.

Key institutions participating in the coalition include 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).

Other partners include industry platforms such as 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).

The programme is supported by international development partners, including the Swiss Consulate and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is being implemented by the African Clean-Up Initiative, while News Central serves as strategic media partner.

Representing the Minister of Environment at the launch, Mrs. Olabimpe Adenaike, Controller of the Lagos Field Office of the Federal Ministry of Environment, commended the initiative, describing it as a strong demonstration of commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

“This initiative reflects a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, community development, and responsible environmental practices. It aligns with the Ministry’s mandate to drive climate action and environmental safety. We commend Nestlé Nigeria and its partners for advancing environmental awareness, waste reduction, and climate resilience through collaborative action,” she said.

She also urged Nigerians to embrace proper waste disposal, recycling and sustainable living practices in support of national environmental goals.

As the company enters its seventh year of environmental stewardship, Nestlé Nigeria said the 2026 programme signals a strategic shift from standalone interventions toward broader systems collaboration aimed at delivering long-term environmental impact and strengthening Nigeria’s transition to a circular economy.