Nigeria consumes more than 2.5 billion litres of sachet water every year, produced by over 32,000 manufacturers nationwide, a scale that environmental regulators warn is driving a deepening plastic pollution crisis.
The disclosure was made by the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor, at the inception meeting of the GEF Child Project 11193 in Abuja on Tuesday.
Akahi News gathered that the project, titled “Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution in Nigeria,” is designed to reduce the consumption of plastic sachet water while safeguarding access to safe and affordable drinking water for citizens.
Plastic Convenience Turning into Environmental Burden
Prof. Barikor described the meeting as a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to confront the growing threat of plastic waste, particularly from single-use water sachets.
According to him, sachet water has become both a convenience and a major environmental burden.
“As you are aware, Nigeria consumes over 2.5 billion litres of sachet water annually, produced by more than 32,000 manufacturers across the country. While this has helped bridge gaps in access to drinking water, it has also resulted in severe environmental consequences,” Barikor said.
He listed blocked drainage systems, urban flooding, ecosystem degradation, and threats to public health and biodiversity as some of the damaging impacts.
Akahi News learnt that the accumulation of plastic waste has also increased sanitation costs for state governments and worsened environmental vulnerability in many urban centres, especially during the rainy season.
“This dual challenge of water access and plastic pollution makes this project not just timely, but necessary,” the NESREA chief added.
Circular Economy Approach to Waste Management
Barikor explained that the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Child Project 11193 represents a strategic and transformative intervention aimed at improving waste management systems across the country.
He said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s environmental priorities and NESREA’s mandate to protect ecosystems for present and future generations.
“The project adopts a holistic, circular approach — focusing not only on waste management, but also on prevention, innovation, policy reform, and systemic change,” he stated.
Akahi News gathered that the circular economy framework encourages reuse, recycling, responsible production, and reduced dependency on single-use plastics.
Environmental experts believe this approach could significantly reduce the volume of plastic waste entering waterways, landfills, and drainage systems.
UNEP, GEF Pledge Support for Nigeria
In a goodwill message, Isabella Vanderbeck of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) described Nigeria as a critical partner in the global fight against plastic pollution.
“Life without plastic is truly fantastic. Let us hit the ground and do away with plastic,” she said.
Also speaking, Evelyn Swain of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to cut down the consumption of single-use plastic water sachets while ensuring access to safe drinking water.
“GEF sees Nigeria not only as a participant in this integrated programme, but also as a leader whose experience can help shape global solutions to plastic pollution,” she said.
Swain, a Senior Environmental Specialist and Plastic Reboot Coordinator at the GEF Secretariat, was represented by Anna Blanpain.
Akahi News learnt that international collaboration is expected to strengthen policy reforms, technical capacity, and funding support for sustainable waste solutions.
Water Ministry Signals Readiness for Collaboration
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation also pledged its support for the initiative.
Mrs. Zuliat Mohammed, Chief Scientific Officer at the ministry, expressed readiness to collaborate with NESREA to ensure the success of the project.
“This programme will help Nigeria eliminate these plastic products in the country,” she said.
Akahi News gathered that improved coordination between environmental regulators and water authorities could help balance environmental sustainability with the urgent need for safe drinking water, especially in communities with limited access to pipe-borne water.
Balancing Public Health and Environmental Sustainability
Analysts note that sachet water remains the primary source of drinking water for millions of Nigerians due to unreliable municipal supply systems. Any policy shift must therefore carefully balance environmental protection with public health needs.
Stakeholders believe that investments in water infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and affordable alternatives to single-use plastics will be crucial for long-term success.
Akahi News learnt that the success of the GEF-backed initiative could position Nigeria as a regional leader in sustainable plastic management and circular economy innovation.
Towards a Cleaner and Healthier Nigeria
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to tackle plastic pollution, the NESREA-led project is expected to catalyse policy reforms, private-sector participation, and behavioural change among consumers.
If effectively implemented, the initiative could significantly reduce flooding risks, protect biodiversity, improve urban sanitation, and enhance public health outcomes across the country.
Akahi News gathered that the project marks a decisive step towards building a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally responsible Nigeria.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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