The federal government is partnering Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic water sachets in Nigeria.

Director-general of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Innocent Barikor, made the disclosure at the Inception Meeting of the GEF Child Project 11193 on Tuesday in Abuja.

Speaking on the objectives, Mr Barikor said, “The project, Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution in Nigeria, is designed to reduce plastic sachet water consumption while ensuring that Nigerians continue to have access to safe drinking water”.

He described the meeting as a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to tackle plastic pollution.

“Single-use plastic sachets have become a convenience for many, but they have also become a serious environmental burden,” he said.

Mr Barikor highlighted the scale of the challenge, saying Nigeria consumes over 2.5 billion litres of sachet water annually, produced by more than 32,000 manufacturers.

“While this has helped bridge gaps in access to drinking water, it has also caused blocked drains, flooding, ecosystem degradation, and serious public health risks, ” he stated.

He noted that the GEF Child Project 11193 represents a “strategic and transformative intervention” that aligns with Nigeria’s national environmental priorities and NESREA’s mandate to protect the environment for present and future generations.

He stated, “Our collective action today is a step toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Nigeria. Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution and protect our ecosystems for generations to come.”

In a goodwill message, Evelyn Swain of GEF said, “GEF is proud to support Nigeria in its journey to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic sachets.

“Nigeria is not only a participant in this Integrated Programme but also a leader whose experience can help shape global solutions to plastic pollution.”

Ms Swain, represented at the meeting by Anna Blanpain, Senior Environmental Specialist and Plastic Reboot Coordinator at GEF Secretariat, added, “We believe Nigeria’s innovative approaches can inspire other countries facing similar challenges.”

Isabella Vanderbeck of UNEP emphasised Nigeria’s key role in global efforts to tackle plastic pollution.

“Life without plastic is truly fantastic. Let us hit the ground, let us do away with plastic, and let us set an example for other nations,” she said.

Chief Scientific Officer at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Zuliat Mohammed, reiterated her ministry’s commitment.

“We are ready to collaborate with NESREA to ensure the success of this project. This programme will help Nigeria eliminate single-use plastic products from our environment,” she said.

(NAN)