News
FG, GEF Launch Project to Tackle Plastic Pollution
FG, GEF Launch Project to Tackle Plastic Pollution
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has taken another step toward addressing plastic pollution with the inauguration of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Child Project 11193, titled “Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution in Abuja, Nigeria.”
The project was formally unveiled in Abuja, and is being implemented by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other partners.
It is aimed at reducing plastic waste associated with single-use water sachets through circular economy approaches.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor described the project as a critical intervention in Nigeria’s environmental sustainability efforts. He noted that while sachet water has improved access to drinking water for millions of Nigerians, its widespread use has contributed significantly to plastic pollution, clogged drainage systems, flooding, ecosystem degradation, and public health concerns.
According to NESREA, Nigeria consumes more than 2.5 billion litres of sachet water annually, produced by over 32,000 manufacturers nationwide. The scale of consumption, the agency said, underscores the urgency of adopting innovative and sustainable solutions to manage plastic waste without compromising access to potable water.
The GEF-supported project is designed around a circular model that goes beyond conventional waste management. Its key focus areas include strengthening policies and regulations on sustainable water packaging, promoting public-private partnerships, piloting reuse and refill systems for community water supply, increasing public awareness, and enhancing coordination and knowledge sharing at national and global levels.
Meanwhile, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s efforts to curb plastic pollution with the launch of the Nigeria Plastics Child Project, also known as “Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution in Nigeria,” under the Plastic Reboot Nigeria initiative.
Speaking at the project launch, Senior Environmental Specialist at the GEF and Lead of the GEF-8 Plastics Integrated Programme, Evelyn Swain,, praised the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for convening the event and for its role as the national executing agency.
She also acknowledged the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for its partnership in supporting Nigeria’s transition to sustainable and circular plastic solutions.
Swain noted that the wide representation of government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia and development partners at the event reflected a shared determination to tackle plastic pollution through inclusive and coordinated action.
She explained that the Nigeria Plastics Child Project is part of a broader GEF-8 investment under the Circular Solutions for Plastic Pollution Integrated Programme, one of eleven integrated programmes approved by the GEF in 2022.

According to her, the integrated programme approach is designed to address the root causes of environmental degradation through systems-based interventions that generate multiple global environmental benefits across climate change, biodiversity, chemicals and ocean protection.
The programme, led by UNEP in collaboration with partners including the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), focuses on transforming single-use plastics in the food and beverage sector. Swain stressed that unlike traditional approaches centred mainly on waste management, the initiative prioritises upstream and midstream solutions such as product design, innovative business models, supportive policies and market incentives.
She disclosed that Nigeria emerged from a competitive selection process in early 2023, citing the country’s strong political commitment to plastic pollution reduction, ongoing efforts to track plastic flows, and active engagement through the National Plastic Action Partnership. These factors, she said, demonstrated Nigeria’s readiness to work collaboratively across sectors to achieve large-scale impact.
Following its selection, Nigeria worked with UNEP to develop au project concept aligned with GEF priorities, including policy coherence, financial leverage, innovation and stakeholder engagement. Swain added that while the global integrated programme was officially launched in Washington, DC in 2025 and strengthened through its first annual conference in Brazil, its true success would be measured by results delivered at the country level.
She described Nigeria’s project as a strong example of how national “child projects” serve as the driving force of the integrated programme’s ambitions.
As implementation begins, Swain called for effective coordination and communication within the global programme, deeper private sector involvement—particularly in transforming the sachet water industry—and a strong focus on scaling lessons learned. She emphasised that Nigeria’s experience could inform policy reforms and future investments both within and beyond the GEF partnership.
She noted that the GEF, views Nigeria not only as a beneficiary of the Plastic Reboot initiative but as a potential leader whose actions can help shape global responses to plastic pollution, while ensuring continued access to safe drinking water.
The Nigeria Plastics Child Project is expected to play a key role in reducing reliance on single-use plastic water sachets and advancing circular economy solutions nationwide.
FG, GEF Launch Project to Tackle Plastic Pollution
News
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
News
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.
The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.
Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.
The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.
“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.
However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.
“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”
In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.
“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.
The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
News
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
By: Michael Mike
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.
According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.
Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.
He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.
The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years agoTHE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
