Manufacturers Call for Suspension of Nigeria’s Proposed Plastic Ban Pending Impact Assessment

By Azeez Disu

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called for the immediate suspension of the proposed ban on single-use plastics below 80 microns, currently under review by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). MAN argues that the regulation, if implemented prematurely, could have far-reaching economic, social, and environmental consequences, and urges a comprehensive Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) before proceeding.

In a detailed statement, MAN expressed concern that the new measures, which include prohibitions on plastic products below 80 microns, taxes on shopping bags 30 to 50 microns thick, and restrictions on various plastic items, could disrupt Nigeria’s industrial sector. The association warns that such policies risk undermining investments in the plastics value chain, threatening thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and imposing socio-economic costs on manufacturers and consumers alike.

While recognising the importance of addressing environmental pollution and fostering sustainable waste management, MAN contends that the current proposal is premature and lacks sufficient empirical justification. “The proposed regulation is premature, lacks sufficient empirical justification, and poses significant risks to Nigeria’s economy, industrial sector, employment landscape, and the livelihoods of millions of citizens,” said Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General of MAN.

The association emphasises that Nigeria’s efforts to combat plastic pollution should be aligned with existing initiatives, notably the 2024 Plastic Circularity Roadmap developed by the Federal Government through the National Plastic Action Partnership (NNPAP). This strategic framework aims to improve collection systems, expand recycling infrastructure, and promote circular economy initiatives. However, MAN notes that many of these critical recommendations remain unimplemented.

“More importantly, there has been no publicly available assessment of the impact of previously restricted single-use plastic products in Nigeria. There is no evidence showing the extent to which earlier bans have reduced environmental pollution, improved waste collection rates, or changed consumer behaviour,” Ajayi-Kadir added. “Public policy should be driven by evidence, measurable outcomes, and stakeholder consultation rather than assumptions.”

International experiences offer cautionary lessons. Countries such as Kenya, Bangladesh, South Africa, and India have seen limited or temporary success with bans on thin plastics, often accompanied by job losses, smuggling, and rebound in usage. Conversely, nations like Germany, South Korea, and the Netherlands have achieved high recycling rates through effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems, without disrupting local industry or increasing living costs.

The economic implications for Nigeria are equally concerning. The plastic manufacturing sector is a vital component of the country’s light industrial base, supporting numerous small and medium enterprises across sectors such as packaging, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. “Implementing an 80-micron threshold would require extensive changes in manufacturing processes and machinery, potentially rendering existing investments obsolete and increasing production costs,” Ajayi-Kadir warned.

He further warned that increased costs could be passed on to consumers, many of whom are already suffering from inflation and declining purchasing power. “Small businesses, market traders, and informal sector operators relying on affordable packaging solutions will face operational challenges that threaten their sustainability,” he said.

MAN also expressed concern over the potential impact on Nigeria’s broader industrial strategy. “Policies that undermine domestic manufacturing capacity risk accelerating deindustrialisation, increasing reliance on imports, and reducing government revenue,” Ajayi-Kadir stated. He stressed that environmental sustainability must be pursued alongside economic growth, not at its expense.

The association called on NESREA and the federal government to:

• Suspend the proposed ban pending a comprehensive RIA
• Conduct an independent assessment of the regulation’s environmental, economic, and social impacts
• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing plastic restrictions before introducing new ones
• Fully implement the recommendations of the 2024 NNPAP Plastic Circularity Roadmap
• Strengthen the Extended Producer Responsibility framework and invest in recycling infrastructure
• Establish a stakeholder working group representing government, industry, academia, and civil society to develop a practical, evidence-based transition strategy

“Nigeria must pursue environmental sustainability without sacrificing industrial growth, economic competitiveness, employment, and social welfare,” Ajayi-Kadir concluded. “Effective regulation should strike a balance between protecting the environment and supporting economic development.”

MAN remains committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to develop practical, science-based solutions for plastic waste management that prioritise systemic waste collection, recycling, and resource recovery systems.