Nigeria faces a major environmental challenge due to excessive plastic use in packaging. This problem results in millions of tons of plastic waste. Much of this waste accumulates in the environment, clogging landfills and littering streets.
In response, over 400 Nestle Nigeria volunteers recently took action. They cleaned up 12 markets across the country. These Nestle employees showed their dedication to community service and environmental care.
Their efforts spanned several locations. These included Lagos, Kano, Port-Harcourt, Sagamu, Ibadan, Jos, Abuja, Abaji, Awka, Ota, Agbara, and Enugu. MAGGI, a Nestlé brand, powered the initiative.
Nestlé Cares, the company’s global volunteer program, works with the Africa Clean-Up Initiative (ACI). ACI is an NGO that promotes environmental responsibility. This year, volunteers received essential cleaning tools. These included waste bags, rakes, and trash grabbers.
The event aimed to clean and educate. Victoria Uwadoka, from Nestlé Nigeria, stressed the importance of tackling waste issues. “We’re actively protecting and restoring the environment,” she said.
Nestle Nigeria is committed to reducing waste. The company encourages behavioral change and better waste management. This includes collaboration with industry and community partners.
These clean-up events are part of Nestle’s five-year environmental improvement plan. Lagos, for example, produces a staggering 32 million tons of waste each year. This waste often blocks drainage channels and green spaces, leading to environmental issues like flooding.
Nestle believes change starts internally. The company’s global vision includes preventing waste from harming the environment.
One key initiative is the Nestle Employee Plastics Collection Scheme. Started in 2022, it motivates staff to recycle waste. Participants earn rewards for their efforts.
According to a report by This Day Live, Nestle also partners with Lagos Business School. Their joint program trains journalists in environmental reporting. This helps raise public awareness about sustainable practices.
Children too are part of Nestle’s educational efforts. The Sustainability Training for Kids teaches them about waste management and recycling. This program is run with the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI).
Dr. Alexander Akhigbe, of the African Clean-Up Initiative, reported successful waste management at this year’s event. Over 6,660kg of solid waste and 79kg of recyclables were properly handled.
Comrade Aremu Komolafe from the Ojuwoye market in Mushin, Lagos, commended the initiative. He noted the market’s significant waste challenges.
Lagos State mandates weekly market clean-ups. Nestle Nigeria’s initiative supports these government efforts.
As a member of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), Nestle Nigeria continues to promote a cleaner, healthier environment. The company is dedicated to contributing to a more sustainable world.
