Nigeria’s waste crisis is deepening as population growth and urbanisation fuel higher levels of plastic pollution across the country.

But Nestlé Nigeria and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) say a coordinated producer-led recycling system is helping to reverse the trend, with more than 100,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste recovered from the environment so far.

The effort operates under Nigeria’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy, a framework that places responsibility for post-consumer packaging on manufacturers.

Why it matters

Nigeria generates more than 32 million tonnes of solid waste every year, according to the World Bank, while the United Nations Population Fund estimates the population will exceed 237 million by 2025.

Environmental experts warn that without sustainable recycling systems, plastic waste will continue to clog drainage channels, worsen flooding, and pollute oceans.

The EPR policy, introduced in 2014 by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), was designed to shift waste management away from overstretched public authorities to producers.

That policy led to the creation of FBRA in 2018, Nigeria’s first Producer Responsibility Organisation for the food and beverage sector.

From four companies to 49

FBRA began as a small consortium of four companies.

By November 2025, it had grown into an alliance of 49 member organisations, coordinating plastic recovery, recycling and reintegration into production cycles.

According to Nestlé Nigeria, the model has helped redefine waste “not as a nuisance but as a resource” within Nigeria’s emerging circular economy.

“While FBRA may not be a household name on the streets, its impact is visible in cleaner communities and empowered waste collectors, particularly in Lagos State,” said Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria.

Nestlé’s role

Nestlé Nigeria was one of FBRA’s founding members and remains one of its most active participants.

The company says environmental stewardship is now central to its business strategy.

“Though as producers we compete commercially, we unite as collaborators when it comes to fulfilling shared environmental responsibilities,” Ms Uwadoka said.

In December 2023, Nestlé Nigeria achieved 100% plastic neutrality, meaning it recovered and recycled an amount of plastic equivalent to what it introduced into the market.

Industry analysts describe plastic neutrality as a major milestone in a country where recycling infrastructure remains uneven.

Packaging innovation

Nestlé has also pushed packaging innovation beyond collection targets.

It became the first company in Nigeria to introduce 50% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) into its Nestlé Pure Life water bottles, in line with food-grade standards set by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.

Sustainability experts say the move shows that recycled plastics can meet safety and quality requirements when proper regulation and oversight exist.

Unlike one-off pilot projects, Nestlé says the rPET initiative reflects a long-term commitment to circular production.

Jobs, value and accountability

Through FBRA’s framework, manufacturers, waste collectors and recyclers operate as a single value chain.

The system not only cleans the environment but also creates income opportunities for informal waste pickers.

“The manufacturers do not produce plastics to litter the streets,” Ms Uwadoka said.

“Consumers discard them, but through FBRA’s system, that waste is recovered, creating jobs and value in the process.”

She added that the focus is not just on collection but on reuse.

“Every bottle that is taken out and doesn’t end up in the ocean is one bottle less of a problem. Closing the loop is key, circularity is the destination. It’s not just about collection but ensuring we use, collect, transform, and reuse.”

Industry and public perspective

Environmental groups say producer responsibility schemes like FBRA reduce pressure on government budgets while encouraging accountability from large manufacturers.

Urban residents, particularly in Lagos, have also reported improved waste collection around informal recycling hubs, although challenges remain in inland and rural communities.

What’s next

FBRA says it plans to expand recovery operations beyond major cities and strengthen partnerships with state waste agencies.

Regulators argue that sustained enforcement of the EPR policy will be critical to scaling impact nationwide.

For Nestlé Nigeria, the company says collaboration, investment and innovation remain central to building a cleaner and more sustainable Nigeria.

The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has sealed several malls, plazas and illegal market structures along the Ojuelegba–Popo corridor adjoining Tejuosho Main Market.

The action followed what officials described as persistent and flagrant violations of Lagos State environmental sanitation laws.

The enforcement exercise was carried out in collaboration with the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Brigade.

Why it matters

Ojuelegba and Tejuosho are among Lagos’ busiest commercial and traffic hubs, used daily by thousands of traders, commuters and residents.

Authorities say indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the area has blocked drainage channels, degraded public spaces and increased the risk of flooding and disease outbreaks.

Complaints from residents and commuters

LAWMA said the operation was triggered by a surge in complaints from residents and daily road users.

According to the agency, roadsides, medians and open spaces had been repeatedly converted into illegal dumping sites.

Officials warned that such practices not only damage the city’s appearance but also pose serious public health risks.

‘Environmental integrity is inviolable’ – LAWMA

Speaking on the operation, LAWMA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the agency would no longer tolerate environmental abuse in public corridors.

“The environmental integrity of Lagos is inviolable,” he said.

Dr Gbadegesin described the dumping of waste on major roads as a direct threat to urban order and public safety.

Warnings ignored despite sensitisation

The LAWMA boss said the closures followed repeated warnings and public sensitisation campaigns.

“It is deeply disconcerting that despite sustained public sensitisation, the availability of waste evacuation services and repeated official warnings, some traders and residents persist in treating public infrastructure with brazen disregard,” he said.

“This intervention is fundamentally corrective in intent, aimed at restoring environmental order, civic discipline and communal responsibility.”

Facilities to remain shut

LAWMA confirmed that the sealed malls, plazas and market structures will remain closed until the entire corridor is cleared and fully sanitised.

Dr Gbadegesin said the area would also be placed under strict monitoring to prevent a return to illegal dumping.

Government backing and tougher enforcement ahead

LAWMA warned that enforcement will be expanded to other markets, highways and residential areas across Lagos.

Dr Gbadegesin said violators would face stricter sanctions under existing environmental laws.

He added that the agency is working with KAI and other regulators to intensify surveillance statewide.

Call to traders and residents

LAWMA urged traders, market leaders and residents to engage approved Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators.

The agency also called for proper use of designated waste disposal facilities.

According to LAWMA, environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility that requires full compliance from all residents.

What’s next

LAWMA said enforcement operations would continue “without compromise” as long as sanitation laws are violated.

The agency reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to building a cleaner and healthier megacity.

Sterling Bank, through the Sterling One Foundation, has led a nationwide environmental cleanup across 17 states in Nigeria, mobilising communities to tackle plastic waste and protect public spaces.

The exercise, held on Saturday, 29 November 2025, brought together government agencies, environmental experts, youth groups and volunteers in major urban centres and coastal areas.

Why it matters

Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest contributors to plastic pollution, with clogged drainage systems worsening flooding, public health risks and environmental degradation.

Environmental advocates say sustained, community-led cleanups are critical to changing public attitudes towards waste disposal and improving climate resilience.

Nationwide action

Cleanup activities took place in locations including Wuse Market in Abuja, Alpha Beach in Lagos, and 15 other states across the country.

Volunteers collected plastic waste, cleared debris, and took part in awareness sessions on recycling, waste sorting and responsible disposal practices.

What Sterling Bank says

Speaking in Abuja, Tunde Akande, Business Executive for Institutional Banking at Sterling Bank, said local ownership was key to environmental sustainability.

“Maintaining a clean and safe city depends heavily on sustained local participation. The effort in Abuja, where residents and institutions work hand-in-hand, truly embodies communal responsibility and environmental pride,” he said.

In Lagos, Akporee Idenedo, Divisional Head of Commercial Banking at Sterling Bank, said the initiative reflected the bank’s long-term commitment to environmental protection.

“The collective energy from residents and stakeholders is inspiring. Sterling Bank remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that protect public spaces and elevate the quality of life in Nigerian communities,” he said.

“Our Sterling Environmental Makeover (STEM) programme has thrived for over a decade, and we will continue prioritising environmental sustainability in all our actions.”

Government and expert perspective

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) described the initiative as critical to long-term behavioural change.

Engr. Braimah Osilama, Director of the AEPB, represented by Omenta Rachael Chinenye, Head of Community Sanitation and Education, said partnerships were essential.

“This partnership-driven initiative is vital for long-term environmental progress. Lasting change requires continuous education, community engagement, and strong institutional support,” she said.

Foundation’s commitment

Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, said the nationwide effort showed what collective action could achieve.

“This nationwide effort is a powerful demonstration of what Nigerians can achieve when united by purpose,” she said.

“Each act of service, big or small, shapes a cleaner and healthier future for Nigeria. The Foundation is committed to deepening environmental awareness, strengthening partnerships, and inspiring ongoing action.”

What’s next

Organisers say the cleanup and beach adoption exercise is part of a broader push aligned with the United Nations Decade of Action on climate change.

Sterling Bank and its partners plan to expand community engagement programmes and advocate for stronger waste management practices nationwide.