The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are collaborating against improper chemicals and waste management in Nigeria.
Speaking at a project inception workshop on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Abuja, the Director-General of NESREA, Dr Innocent Barikor, said there are environmental issues caused by improper waste management in the country.
The project, entitled “Strengthening National Infrastructural and Human Capacity for sound Chemicals and Waste Management in Nigeria”, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in chemical and waste management.
Barikor, represented by Dr Christopher Beka, Director, Inspection and Enforcement, NESREA, said Nigeria, as a rapidly industrialising nation, faced escalating risks from improper chemicals and waste management.
He said this was from hazardous industrial effluents to electronic waste and expired chemicals.
“The threats to our environment, public health, and socio-economic stability are undeniable,” he said.
Barikor said the project was not merely a response to these challenges but a proactive step towards building a resilient system that safeguards Nigerians, the ecosystems, and future generations.
“By aligning with global frameworks such as the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, as well as the Global Framework for the Sound Management of Chemicals, and Minamata Convention, we reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to international best practices and sustainable development,” he said.
According to him, the project’s objectives were clear and ambitious, aimed at strengthening legislative and regulatory frameworks for chemicals and waste management.
Barikor added that it was also to enhance the capacities of regulatory agencies, industry actors, and other stakeholders, as well as improve national infrastructure for monitoring, disposal, and recycling.
He said the project also sought to foster collaboration among government, private sector, civil society, and international partners, while ensuring gender mainstreaming to address the needs of women and marginalised groups.
” Let us use today’s opportunity to critically assess existing policies and propose actionable reforms, design capacity-building programmes that empower regulators, industries, and communities. Also to develop infrastructure plans that are scalable, sustainable, and technologically robust,” he said.
Barikor urged participants to embed gender equality and social inclusion at the core of every activity.
Speaking virtually, UNEP Programme Officer, Nicole Caesar, said the special project sought to support institutional strengthening at the national level for the sound management of chemicals and waste.
She said the project also sought to develop and review the legislative framework and guidelines on chemical management, develop industrial national standards, guidelines, and standard operating procedures.
By Doris Esa