Victor EzejaIn recognition of the role of waste recycling both to the environment and the economy, Nestlé Nigeria has launched a comprehensive Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) Training Programme, aimed at empowering 100 plastic waste workers across Lagos and Abuja.
The initiative, which is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and social inclusion, aims to enhance the safety and wellbeing of these plastic waste workers while empowering them and promoting their dignity within the plastics recycling value chain.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe training programme, done in partnership with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN), and the Food Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), covers essential topics such as best practices in occupational health and safety, responsible handling of recyclable materials, fire prevention and rescue techniques, and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
According to a statement signed by the Corporate Affairs Manager, Nestle Nigeria, Toju Egbebi, each participant will also receive PPE kits to ensure safer working conditions, fostering a healthier environment for both workers and their communities.
Commenting on the training programme, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead for Nestlé Nigeria, stated that the initiative is in line with the company’s commitment to building a waste-free future and the recognition of the role that the waste workers play in bringing this vision to life.
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“At Nestlé, we are committed to building a waste-free future and recognize the crucial role plastic waste workers play in reducing pollution and facilitating a circular economy,” Uwadoka stated during the opening ceremony of the training in Abuja.
“This training is a vital component of our support for this key stakeholder group, enhancing Nigeria’s waste management infrastructure.
“By equipping these essential workers with the necessary skills and knowledge, we help to improve their quality of life while increasing their employability and boosting productivity within a sustainable waste management framework.”
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, applauded Nestlé’s commitment to environmental sustainability and prioritizing the health and safety of waste workers.
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“Waste workers are often unrecognized yet play a crucial role in our national effort to combat plastic pollution in our environment. The focus on training waste workers is commendable, especially at a time when the world is seeking solutions to the prevailing challenges relating to plastic waste management,” Barikor stated.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees at the Lagos event, Engr. Mayowa Elefin, MD, Maladase Ecopreneur Management Company Limited, described the training as a very “impactful” one, adding that it aligns with their commitment to promoting a safe, healthy, and sustainable work environment across the plastic recycling value chain. “It has provided valuable knowledge and practical skills that will greatly benefit our staff, enhancing their capacity to maintain safe operations, ensure healthier workplaces, and ultimately improve productivity,” Elefin stated.
The SHE training programme, which was facilitated by ImpactCrest Consulting, brought together various stakeholders across the public and private sectors in the area of environmental safety.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
