By Danjuma Amodu | January 27, 2026
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has launched a landmark project to address Nigeria’s growing plastic pollution crisis, particularly single-use plastic water sachets.
The GEF Child Project 11193, “Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution in Nigeria,” aims to reduce plastic waste generation and marine pollution through prevention, innovation, policy reform, and systemic change.
This project followed a competitive process and is part of the GEF’s Circular Solutions for Plastic Pollution Integrated Programme, launched in April 2025 in Washington DC.
Speaking at the launch, NESREA’s Director-General, Professor Innocent Bariate Barikor, emphasized the project’s significance, saying, “This project marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address plastic pollution. We consume over 2.5 billion liters of sachet water annually, produced by over 32,000 manufacturers, resulting in severe environmental consequences.”
To address this, Professor Barikor outlined the project’s five key components: strengthening regulatory frameworks, fostering public-private partnerships, piloting reuse and refill models, enhancing public awareness, and ensuring global coordination.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling plastic pollution, stating, “The Federal Government is committed to creating an enabling environment for sustainable development.”
Evelyn Swain, Senior Environmental Specialist at the Global Environment Facility, praised Nigeria’s commitment, saying, “Nigeria’s participation is a testament to its demonstrated political commitment.” She called for strong communication, private sector engagement, and scaling impact, highlighting the project’s potential to inform policy reform and future investment.
The project, supported by GEF and implemented by UNEP, will deliver significant environmental benefits, including avoiding 350,000 metric tons of residual plastic waste and mitigating 1.9 million tons of CO₂ equivalent.
Professor Barikor emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “We will ensure the project’s outcomes align with our national development priorities and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.” The project’s success depends on collaboration among stakeholders, including government, civil society, and the private sector. He added.
Nigeria’s plastic pollution crisis has severe environmental and health implications, and the GEF Child Project 11193 is a significant step towards addressing it. The project will run for five years, with NESREA as the national executing entity, in collaboration with UNEP and other stakeholders.
Key stakeholders have welcomed the project, citing its potential to drive positive change and promote a circular economy.
