Nestlé Nigeria Empowers 100 Waste Workers with SHE Training to Boost Safety and Sustainability

In a bold move to promote environmental sustainability and social inclusion, Nestlé Nigeria has launched a Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) Training Program, benefiting 100 plastic waste workers across Lagos and Abuja. The initiative is designed to improve the wellbeing, dignity, and professional capacity of waste workers who are critical to Nigeria’s circular economy.

Conducted 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), the program delivered practical training on:

• Occupational health and safety
• Safe handling of recyclable materials
• Fire prevention and rescue techniques
• Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, underscored the company’s vision of a circular economy and a cleaner planet:

“We are committed to building a waste-free future and deeply value the role of plastic waste workers in making this a reality. This training ensures their safety, empowers them, and strengthens the backbone of Nigeria’s waste management ecosystem.”

At the programme’s opening in Abuja, Prof. Innocent Barikor, Director General of NESREA, commended Nestlé’s leadership:

“Nestlé Nigeria is setting the pace in environmental stewardship. Waste workers are often the unsung heroes in our fight against plastic pollution. Investing in their safety and training is timely and essential.”

The SHE Training Programme reinforces Nestlé’s broader sustainability agenda and commitment to inclusive development—positioning the company as a key contributor to building resilient, waste-smart communities in Nigeria.