The Federal Government on Tuesday disclosed that Nigeria consumes more than 2.5 billion litres of sachet (pure) water annually as it launched a new initiative aimed at reducing single-use sachet pollution without compromising access to safe drinking water.
The Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, Prof. Innocent Barikor, made this known at an inception meeting in Abuja while unveiling the project titled “Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution in Nigeria.”
Barikor said the initiative was designed to curb the growing environmental damage caused by plastic waste, particularly sachet water nylons that block drainage systems and degrade ecosystems.
“This dual challenge of water access and plastic pollution makes this project not just timely, but necessary,” he said.
According to him, over 32,000 sachet water manufacturers operate across the country, noting that while sachet water has played a crucial role in bridging gaps in access to potable water, it has also created serious environmental concerns.
He described single-use sachet water as both a convenience and a growing environmental burden, stressing the need for sustainable and practical solutions.
“Your presence here today reflects our shared commitment to finding sustainable, innovative, and practical solutions to this critical environmental challenge.
“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.
“These include blocked drainage systems, flooding, degradation of ecosystems, and risks to public health and biodiversity.
“This dual challenge of water access and plastic pollution makes this project not just timely, but necessary,” he said.
Barikor explained that the Global Environment Facility Child Project 11193 represents a strategic and transformative intervention to tackle waste management challenges in Nigeria.
He said the project aligns with national environmental priorities and NESREA’s mandate to safeguard the environment for present and future generations.
“The project adopts a holistic, circular approach—focusing not only on waste management, but on prevention, innovation, policy reform, and systemic change,” he added.
International partners at the meeting pledged their support for the initiative.
Isabella Vanderbeck of the United Nations Environment Programme called for urgent action, saying, “Life without plastic is truly fantastic, let us hit the ground, let us do away with plastic.”
Similarly, GEF representative Evelyn Swain said the fund would support efforts to reduce single-use sachets “while ensuring accessible and safe drinking water.”
Also speaking, Mrs. Zuliat Mohammed of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with NESREA.
“This programme will help Nigeria eliminate all these plastic products in the country,” she said.
Officials said the project will focus on prevention, policy reform, innovation and improved waste management, with the goal of balancing environmental protection and continued access to safe drinking water for communities across the country.
