Federal Government Aims to Reduce Sachet Water Usage

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has revealed that Nigeria's consumption of sachet water exceeds 2.5 billion litres each year, with production from over 32,000 manufacturers contributing to rising plastic pollution in the country.

Speaking in Abuja during the launch of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Child Project 11193, titled "Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution in Nigeria," Director-General Prof. Innocent Barikor shared these insights on Tuesday.

Barikor mentioned that the project aims to curb the consumption of plastic sachet water while ensuring that Nigerians have continued access to safe and affordable drinking water. He emphasized that the gathering marks a crucial step in addressing the environmental and public health issues associated with plastic waste.

According to Barikor, reliance on single-use plastic sachets poses a dual threat: it offers convenience for many yet inflicts significant environmental damage. He pointed out that while sachet water has improved access to safe drinking water, it has also led to blocked drainage systems, flooding, degradation of ecosystems, and threats to public health and biodiversity.

"Nigeria consumes more than 2.5 billion litres of sachet water annually, manufactured by over 32,000 companies nationwide," Barikor stated. "This has helped fill access gaps for drinking water but has resulted in grave environmental repercussions."

Barikor stated that the initiative addresses both the necessity for water access and the pressing issue of plastic waste, making it a timely and essential intervention. He explained that the GEF Child Project serves as a strategic initiative aligned with Nigeria's environmental goals, as well as NESREA's mandate to safeguard the environment for now and future generations.

"The project employs a comprehensive, circular approach that focuses not only on waste management but also on prevention, innovation, policy reform, and systemic change," he added.

In a message of support, Isabella Vanderbeck from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) described Nigeria as a critical ally in the global fight against plastic pollution. "A life without plastic is indeed wonderful; let us engage fully in this venture to eliminate plastic use," she urged.

Evelyn Swain of the Global Environment Facility also expressed the agency's dedication to helping Nigeria reduce the reliance on single-use plastic sachets while ensuring safe drinking water remains accessible to all.

"The GEF is dedicated to assisting Nigeria in curtailing the consumption of single-use plastic water sachets while securing access to safe drinking water," stated Swain, a Senior Environmental Specialist and Plastic Reboot Coordinator at the GEF Secretariat, represented by Anna Blanpain at the event.

Mrs. Zuliat Mohammed, Chief Scientific Officer at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, pledged the ministry's commitment to collaborating with NESREA to ensure the initiative's success, adding that the program is expected to help Nigeria significantly cut down and eventually eradicate plastic sachet waste.