By Abdullahi Lukman
Nestlé Nigeria Plc has trained 100 plastic waste workers in Lagos and Abuja as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
The training, conducted under Nestlé’s Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) programme, aimed to improve the wellbeing and safety of waste workers while enhancing their dignity and capacity within the recycling sector. Each participant received Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to support safer working conditions.
Supported by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Recyclers Association of Nigeria, and the Food Beverage Recycling Alliance, the initiative covered key topics including occupational health and safety, fire prevention, proper handling of recyclables, and effective PPE usage.
According to Toju Egbebi, Corporate Affairs Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, the training reflects the company’s broader goal of fostering a healthier, more inclusive circular economy.
The programme was implemented by ImpactCrest Consulting.
Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé’s Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, emphasized the firm’s commitment to a waste-free future and acknowledged the pivotal role of waste workers in reducing pollution and enabling circularity.
Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, praised Nestlé’s initiative, noting the importance of recognizing and empowering frontline waste workers in the fight against plastic pollution.
Mayowa Elefin, Managing Director of Maladase Ecopreneur Management Company Ltd., speaking on behalf of trainees, described the training as practical and impactful, highlighting its role in promoting safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces.
