Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, has commenced stakeholder advocacy visits to key institutions critical to the successful implementation of the Plastic Reboot Nigeria Project (GEF ID: 11193), one of the Global Child Project aimed at reducing plastic waste associated with water consumption in Nigeria while ensuring access to safe and affordable drinking water in line with Circular Business Economy model.
The Director of Inspection and Enforcement, Dr. Christopher Beka, accompanied by the Deputy Director, Food and Chemicals, Inspection and Enforcement Department, Engr. Chukwudi Nwabuisiaku; the Project Manager, Dr. Linus Orakwe; and the Assistant Director/ Desk Officer Multilateral Environmental Agreements, Barr. Cynthia Abiye-Whyte, paid courtesy visits to the Lagos Water Corporation and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
At the Lagos Water Corporation, the delegation was received by the General Manager, Engr. Yinka, some Directors, legal adviser, while at NAFDAC, the team was hosted by the Special Assistant to the Director-General, Dr. Gbenga Fajemirokun and few relevant staff under the Food Safety and Health department.
The visits were aimed at formally introducing the Project, its objectives, expected outcomes, and the strategic roles of both institutions in supporting its implementation. The delegation also highlighted NESREA’s regulatory mandate and the Project’s contribution to addressing plastic pollution through innovative and sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic packaging.
During the discussions, the Project team emphasized the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution resulting from the widespread consumption of sachet water and to promote sustainable water delivery systems that support Nigeria’s transition towards a circular economy.
The meetings were highly productive, with both organisations describing the initiative as timely and commendable. They noted that the Project has significant potential to reduce plastic waste generation, mitigate environmental pollution, and promote sustainable consumption practices associated with drinking water in Nigeria.
Both institutions expressed their willingness to collaborate with NESREA and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the Project and the achievement of its environmental and socio-economic objectives.
