Nestlé Nigeria has called for stronger collaboration to advance a circular economy after completing a nationwide community sensitisation and clean-up campaign across 12 locations to mark World Environment Day 2026.
The food and beverage company, listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, led the multi-stakeholder initiative to promote environmental responsibility and encourage sustainable waste management practices across communities nationwide.
Speaking on the campaign, the Head of Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, said environmental challenges require consistent action from all stakeholders.
“Addressing environmental challenges requires consistent action at all levels. Initiatives such as this demonstrate how the government, private sector and communities can work together to drive responsible environmental practices and deliver real impact,” she said.
The campaign resulted in the recovery of 4,507.8 kilograms of solid waste and 48.2 kilograms of recyclable materials. The recovered waste was sorted and channelled through approved recycling and disposal systems, helping to reduce pollution while demonstrating practical circular economy solutions.
Representing the Minister of Environment, the Director of the Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department, Adeola Omotunde, described the initiative as an example of effective collaboration.
“Nigeria’s plastic pollution challenge requires bold, collaborative action, and this initiative demonstrates the value of bringing together communities, partners and the private sector around a shared goal. We are proud to have supported this effort and look forward to continuing our collaboration to advance circular economy solutions that create environmental and economic value,” Omotunde said.
The National Plastics Action Partnership (NPAP) was represented by Esther Fagbo on behalf of the Country Manager during the event.
Stakeholders at the programme stressed that sustainable environmental progress depends on active community participation rather than passive observation.
They noted that the commitment shown by volunteers, partners and residents was more significant than the volume of waste collected, adding that collective ownership remains essential for achieving lasting environmental improvements.
The campaign brought together 424 volunteers, including Nestlé Cares employee volunteers and representatives from 15 coalition organisations. Key partners included the African Clean-Up Initiative, the Recyclers Association of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Plastics Action Partnership.
Activities were carried out simultaneously across Lagos, Abuja, Agbara, Jos, Kano, Enugu, Awka, Ota, Abaji, Sagamu, Port Harcourt and Ibadan throughout June 2026 as part of the global World Environment Day celebrations.
Beyond clearing public spaces, volunteers also conducted community awareness campaigns to encourage responsible waste disposal and strengthen public support for recycling initiatives.
According to the organisers, the nationwide intervention was designed to tackle Nigeria’s growing plastic pollution challenge while encouraging citizens to take greater ownership of environmental protection through everyday actions.
