Nestlé Nigeria and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN), and the Food Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), have deepened collaboration to enhance the safety and well-being of waste workers in the Country.
The collaboration is leveraging a recently launched Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) training program, an initiative that aims to enhance the safety and wellbeing of waste workers while empowering 100 plastic waste workers across Lagos and Abuja, to promote dignity within the plastics recycling value chain.
Victoria Uwadoka, Lead Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability, Nestlé Nigeria, stated that Nestlé is committed to building a waste-free future and recognises the role that the waste workers play in bringing such vision to life.
According to her, the training is a vital component of the company’s support for key stakeholder groups in enhancing Nigeria’s waste management infrastructure. “At Nestlé, we are committed to building a waste-free future and recognise the crucial role plastic waste workers play in reducing pollution and facilitating a circular economy.
“By equipping these essential workers with the necessary skills and knowledge, we help to improve their quality of life while increasing their employability and boost productivity within a sustainable waste management framework,” Uwadoka stated.
Innocent Barikor, Director-General, NESREA, stated that waste workers play a crucial role in the national efforts to combat plastic pollution, but are often unrecognised within the environment they serve.
“I commend Nestlé Nigeria PLC for its commitment towards environmental sustainability and for prioritising the health and safety of those at the frontline of waste management. 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.
Mayowa Elefin, MD, Maladase Ecopreneur Management Company Limited, stated that the training provided valuable knowledge and practical skills to benefit its staff, by enhancing their capacity to maintain safe operations, ensure healthier workplaces, and improve productivity.
“This training is an impactful initiative which aligns with our commitment to promoting a safe, healthy, and sustainable work environment across our plastic recycling value chain it has”, he noted.
The training encompassed 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).
Accordingly, each of the participants received PPE kits to ensure safer working conditions, fostering a healthier environment for both workers and their communities.
