Follow Us on Google
By Merit Ibe
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Federal Government and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to immediately suspend the proposed ban on single-use plastics below 80 microns in thickness, warning that the policy could trigger widespread job losses, disrupt industrial production, and worsen inflationary pressures.
The proposed restriction is contained in the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations 2026 and is aimed at tackling plastic pollution across the country. However, MAN argued that the move could have far-reaching economic consequences if implemented without adequate consultation and impact assessment.
In a statement, the association said Nigeria’s plastic manufacturing industry supports hundreds of factories, thousands of small and medium-scale enterprises, and a broad value chain spanning agriculture, pharmaceuticals, retail, and logistics.
According to MAN, enforcing the 80-micron threshold would require manufacturers to invest heavily in new machinery and production processes, significantly increasing operating costs. It added that many existing investments could become obsolete, placing businesses under severe financial strain.
The association further warned that the measure could force some manufacturers out of business, increase dependence on imported products, and undermine the country’s industrialisation drive.
MAN also expressed concern that the proposed ban appears to contradict the Federal Government’s 2024 National Plastic Action Partnership (NNPAP) Plastic Circularity Roadmap, which advocates a transition to a circular economy through improved recycling systems, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and stronger waste management frameworks.
The group noted that the roadmap, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders, has yet to be fully implemented. It questioned the rationale behind introducing a fresh restriction before assessing the effectiveness of existing initiatives.
Other News
Drawing lessons from other countries, MAN said outright plastic bans have often produced mixed results. It cited experiences in Kenya, Bangladesh, and India, where restrictions reportedly led to job losses, smuggling activities, and only temporary reductions in plastic usage.
In contrast, the association pointed to countries such as Germany and South Korea, which achieved significant reductions in plastic waste through investments in recycling infrastructure and robust EPR schemes rather than outright bans.
MAN also faulted what it described as the absence of evidence-based evaluation of previous plastic restrictions in Nigeria. According to the association, there is no publicly available assessment showing whether earlier measures succeeded in reducing pollution or improving waste management outcomes.
The association urged the government to suspend the proposed ban pending a comprehensive Regulatory Impact Assessment and conduct a thorough review of past plastic control measures.
It also called for the full implementation of the 2024 NNPAP Plastic Circularity Roadmap, stronger EPR mechanisms, accelerated investment in recycling infrastructure, and the establishment of a broad stakeholder working group to develop a balanced transition strategy.
MAN maintained that environmental sustainability and industrial growth should not be treated as competing priorities.
“Nigeria must pursue environmental sustainability without sacrificing industrial growth, jobs, or economic competitiveness,” the association stated, reiterating its commitment to collaborative and science-based solutions to address plastic waste.
The appeal places the spotlight on NESREA and the Federal Government as they weigh environmental objectives against concerns over economic growth, employment, and industrial competitiveness.
