Nigeria partners UNEP to improve management of hazardous chemicals, waste

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to tackle improper management of chemical waste in Nigeria.

Speaking at a project inception workshop in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Innocent Barikor, NESREA director-general, said the country faces escalating environmental threats due to improper handling of hazardous chemicals and waste.

The project, titled “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 of inspection and enforcement at NESREA, said Nigeria’s rapid industrial growth has increased risks from electronic waste and expired chemicals.

He said the project aims to tackle these challenges and build a resilient system that safeguards Nigerians and the ecosystems.

“The threats to our environment, public health, and socio-economic stability are undeniable,” he said.

“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.”

Barikor said the project will strengthen legislative and regulatory frameworks for chemicals and waste management.

He added that it was also to enhance the capacity of regulatory agencies and improve national infrastructure for monitoring, disposal, and recycling.

He called for gender equality and social inclusion to be embedded in every phase of the project.

“Let us 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.

Nicole Caesar, programme officer at UNEP, said the project will support institutional reforms at the national level, including the review and development of legislative frameworks, industrial standards, and operational guidelines for effective chemical and waste management.