How Nestle Nigeria is encouraging positive lifestyle change: a waste at a time
By Amechi Obiakpu
The indifference in attitude at which some people attach to the environment tells to a great extend the way the environment is valued- and ultimately, how it is treated. From the factory owner who fails to provide adequate channel for the disposal of generated waste, to the public bus driver who makes every corner of the society his dumping ground and finally to the onlookers whose inaction have not helped to attract the desired lifestyle change.
For Nestle Nigeria, a positive lifestyle advocate, the latter is not an option because of the grave danger doing nothing portends for the environment- especially if we are serious about environmental sustainability.
To put it in context, let me tell you a story. Sometime in early September, 2025, this writer boarded a public bus to Abule-egba from Iyana-Ipaja. The vehicle had barely got to Ile-epo, when one of the commuters discarded an empty plastic bottle through the window after drinking the content. Surprised by the action, I leaned on the ‘passenger’ to politely tell him such action contributes to making the environment unsafe. Unpertubed by his action, the person in question looked at me with an expression on his face that reads: “What is my business with that”.
While still pondering over how some people feel that it is not everyone’s business to ensure the environment is kept safe for the good of all, the driver of the vehicle did the same- he brazenly discarded the waste from the moving vehicle on the road without betraying any emotion.
According to experts, actions like the above amount to environmental pollution which contribute to the challenges faced in the society on a daily basis. And, irrespective of where the action is committed the resultant consequences can occur anywhere.
According to google, the main causes of environmental pollution are human activities like industrial processes, burning fossil fuels, agricultural practices, vehicle emissions and improper waste disposal.
Understanding sustainability
To understand sustainability, one must know what sustainability is about. According to google, Sustainability is the practice of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing the needs of people, the planet, and prosperity. This involves the long-term health of our environment, society, and economy, by ensuring that natural resources are not depleted, social systems promote well-being and equity, and economic activities are viable without causing harm.
Joseph Edgar, an investment banker and public commentator says the effect of human’s damage is evident on the street of Lagos especially when it rains.
“You see if you dont understand Lagos, Lagos will beat you up so mercilessly,” Edgar said.
The issue of flooding for example will not leave us in this generation. Its causes are too multi faceted for any government to resolve, he noted. “From climate change, to reckless construction, to over population and even dirty domestic habits like dumping refuse in drainages all combine to cause these things and when Government decides to address even one of the issues, we will go and block third mainland bridge at Iyana Oworo,” he said.
Enter Nestle solution
Rather than doing nothing, Nestle Nigeria, a positive lifestyle advocate mobilized 516 individuals around June 5, 2025 for a nationwide clean-up and community sensitization campaign. The initiative, in collaboration with the African Clean-Up Initiative (ACI) and local authorities was aimed at ensuring a sustainable environment.
The clean-up efforts spanned 11 cities, focusing on high-footfall market hubs such as Oke-Arin Market in Lagos, Utako Market in Abuja, Abubakar Rimi Market in Kano, Satellite Market in Jos, Sabo Market in Sagamu, Bodija Market in Ibadan, Okoko Market in Agbara, Abaji Market in Abaji, Holyghost Market in Enugu, Aguawka Market in Awka and Mile 3 Market in Port Harcourt.
According to Nestle, these locations were strategically selected based on their waste burden and community impact, resulting in the collective removal of 5,601 kilograms of solid and 379.2 kilograms of recyclable waste, highlighting the tangible results of corporate-community collaboration.
At the Lagos activation, Victoria Uwadoka, Lead, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized the alignment of this initiative with the World Environment Day theme, “Curbing Plastic Pollution,” She said, “At Nestlé, our commitment to fighting plastic waste is integral to our vision of a waste-free future. This vision encompasses internal accountability and proactive stakeholder engagement. Through strategic partnerships with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) and plastic waste recyclers such as Alef recycling, Wecyclers, Chanja Datti and Maladase Ecopreneurs Management Ltd. (MECOM), we are supporting the advancement of circularity within the plastics value chain. In addition, our Employee Plastics Collection Scheme (EPCS), launched in 2022, empowers our employees to take responsibility for their environmental impact by recycling their plastic waste. Through the EPCS, we have achieved diversion of 5,922 kg of plastic waste from landfills. Collectively, our initiatives have successfully retrieved over 61,000 metric tons of plastic from the environment since 2019”.
Dr. Alex Akhigbe, Founder of the African Clean-Up Initiative, articulated the broader vision driving this partnership “This initiative transcends a mere clean-up, it represents a sustainability movement grounded in the principles of collective responsibility, collaboration and the circular economy. The fight against plastic pollution requires deliberate action. Every bottle collected, every conversation initiated, contributes to shaping a culture of environmental consciousness. Our goal is to inspire a generation that values and protects our planet.”
This annual clean-up campaign demonstrates Nestlé Nigeria’s integrated approach to sustainability, merging operational accountability with grassroots engagement. As the company progresses in its broader sustainability agenda, initiatives such as this serve as a model for how corporate actions can stimulate community-driven impact, reinforcing the shared responsibility to protect environmental resources today, and for future generations.
What expert says
In a chat with Espinews, Folashade Kadiri, a sustainability expert and a Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) operator said human attitude towards environmental cleanliness is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, socioeconomic status, and education. “While there are individuals who prioritise cleanliness and take active steps to maintain a clean environment, there are also those who disregard waste management practices and contribute to pollution. This often stems from a lack of awareness about the consequences of littering and improper waste disposal, as well as a perceived lack of responsibility for public spaces.
Though she believes that, while there have been significant improvements in waste management efforts by operators and the government, it’s undeniable that there is still a gap in the level of public participation. “Many Nigerians continue to engage in practices that contribute to environmental pollution, such as littering, open defecation, and improper waste disposal. This suggests that there is a need for more concerted efforts to educate the public about the importance of environmental cleanliness and to encourage behavioral change.
To improve the situation, she however advised that a multi-faceted approach should be adopted, among which are: education and awareness campaigns, enforcement of laws and regulations and community engagement.
Conclusion
Already, organisations like Nestle have been in the forefront of not only advocating for environmental sustainability and positive lifestyle change but also leading by example with its many campaigns and community engagements with numerous of its partners.
Nestlé Cares is Nestle’s employee volunteering platform reflecting Nestlé’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility by engaging employees in community volunteerism. Through various projects, Nestlé Cares empowers employees to make a positive impact in their local communities.
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