By Jane Okeke
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, has called for stronger collaboration among relevant stakeholders to tackle plastic waste pollution and develop lasting solutions to the environmental challenge.
The Director-General of NESREA, Professor Innocent Barikor, made the call in Abuja at the launch of the National Environmental Plastic Waste Control Regulations, 2026.
Representing the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mallam Salihu Usman, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a pollution-free society and ensuring a healthy environment for Nigerians.
Professor Barikor described the launch as a significant step towards the implementation of the National Environmental Plastic Waste Control Regulations, stressing the need for collective action to achieve the objectives of the policy.
He noted that effective implementation of the regulations would not only help reduce plastic pollution but also create employment opportunities for Nigerians across the plastic value chain.
The European Union Representative, Mr. Massimo De Luca, said the inauguration demonstrates the Nigerian Government’s commitment to prioritising policies aimed at protecting the environment and promoting a safer and healthier society.
The stakeholders urged Nigerians, government agencies, the private sector and other relevant partners to support the implementation of the regulations, stressing that sustained collaboration is critical to curbing plastic waste pollution across the country.
