ADDRESSING PLASTIC POLLUTION: NESREA HOLDS INCEPTION WORKSHOP IN ABUJA

Abuja, Nigeria | January 27, 2026

Nigeria has taken another decisive step towards tackling the growing challenge of plastic pollution with the convening of an inception workshop on circular solutions to plastic pollution in Abuja.
Mina Daniels reports that with an estimated 2.5 billion sachets of water consumed annually across the country—and the significant environmental damage arising from improper disposal—Nigeria is positioning itself to change the narrative on plastic waste management. The workshop, organised by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), brought together key stakeholders to chart a sustainable path forward.

Participants at the inception workshop included representatives from government ministries and agencies, development partners, the private sector, and civil society organisations. The gathering provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of ideas on practical and long-term solutions to plastic pollution in Nigeria.

The project at the centre of the discussions aims to significantly reduce plastic pollution through the adoption of circular economy solutions. By rethinking how plastics are produced, used and managed, the initiative seeks to minimise waste, extend the lifecycle of plastic materials and reduce their impact on the environment.

Key policy focus areas highlighted at the workshop include cutting down on single-use plastics, promoting reuse and recycling, strengthening existing regulatory frameworks, and encouraging increased private sector participation in sustainable plastic management. Stakeholders emphasised the importance of collective responsibility and innovation in achieving measurable progress.

The Abuja workshop marks an important milestone in Nigeria’s environmental sustainability efforts, reinforcing the country’s commitment to protecting its ecosystems while promoting economic opportunities within a circular economy framework.