World Environment Day 2026: Nestlé Nigeria, Partners Recover Over 4.5 Tonnes of Waste Across 12 Locations
Nestlé Nigeria, in collaboration with coalition partners, has successfully completed a nationwide environmental sensitization and clean-up campaign across 12 locations to commemorate World Environment Day 2026, recovering more than 4.5 tonnes of waste and reinforcing efforts towards environmental sustainability and responsible waste management.
LAGOS – Nestlé Nigeria, alongside a coalition of environmental stakeholders, has concluded its 2026 World Environment Day community sensitization and clean-up campaign across 12 locations nationwide, mobilizing hundreds of volunteers and community members in support of environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management.
The initiative, which took place simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja, Agbara, Jos, Kano, Enugu, Awka, Ota, Abaji, Sagamu, Port Harcourt and Ibadan, brought together volunteers, government agencies, development partners, recyclers and local communities in a coordinated effort to promote cleaner environments and increased environmental awareness.
According to reports from the African Clean-Up Initiative (ACI) and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN), 424 volunteers participated in the exercise, recovering a total of 4,507.8 kilograms of solid waste and 48.2 kilograms of recyclable materials. The waste collected was processed through approved recycling and disposal channels, helping to reduce environmental pollution and improve public sanitation.
Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Victoria Uwadoka, Lead Corporate Communications, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized the importance of community participation in achieving lasting environmental progress.
“Environmental progress is most sustainable when communities see themselves as active participants rather than observers. What encouraged us most this year was not only the volume of waste recovered, but the willingness of volunteers, partners and community members to work together towards a shared goal. Lasting environmental progress depends on that sense of collective ownership, and it is often through small actions taken together that meaningful change begins,” she said.
The campaign was driven by Nestlé Cares, the company's employee volunteering programme, alongside volunteers from 15 organizations that form part of a coalition unveiled ahead of this year’s World Environment Day celebration.
The initiative was implemented through a multi-stakeholder framework involving government institutions, regulatory bodies, industry groups, development organizations and recycling associations to ensure alignment with national environmental objectives.
At the Abuja activation, the Honourable Minister of Environment was represented by Mrs. Adeola Omotunde, Director of the Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department at the Federal Ministry of Environment. She highlighted the need for sustained collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.
“Addressing environmental challenges requires consistent action at all levels. Initiatives such as this demonstrate how government, private sector and communities can work together to drive responsible environmental practices and deliver real impact,” she stated.
Also speaking, Mrs. Esther Chibueyin Fagbo, representing the Country Manager of the National Plastics Action Partnership (NPAP), described the campaign as a model for collective action against plastic pollution.
“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,” she said.
Nestlé Nigeria noted that the campaign reflects its ongoing commitment to creating shared value through partnerships that promote cleaner communities, stronger waste recovery systems and circular economy solutions across the country.
The company reaffirmed its resolve to continue working with stakeholders to support environmental sustainability and responsible resource management for future generations.
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