MAN Calls for Regulatory Review of NESREA Plastic Waste Measures
Plastic Recycling | 2026-06-17 10:22:53
The experiences in Kenya, Bangladesh, South Africa, and India suggest that plastic bans often produce limited environmental benefits, while causing factory closures and job losses.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called for the suspension of the proposed National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations 2026. The regulations could have serious economic and industrial consequences, it warned.
The regulations, proposed by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), seek to ban the production and use of single-use plastic products below 80 microns in thickness, impose taxes on certain plastic shopping bags, and restrict a range of plastic products covered under the Eleventh Schedule.
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MAN Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir extended the association’s support to efforts aimed at reducing environmental pollution. However, he noted that the proposed regulations are premature and lack sufficient empirical evidence.
MAN highlighted that many of the recommendations in the Plastic Circularity Roadmap developed by the Federal Government’s National Plastic Action Partnership have not yet been implemented. Furthermore, it stated that previous restrictions on plastic products have not resulted in measurable improvements. The experiences in Kenya, Bangladesh, South Africa, and India suggest that plastic bans often produce limited environmental benefits, while causing factory closures and job losses.
POLL
What is MAN’s primary concern regarding Nigeria’s proposed Plastic Waste Control Regulations 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is MAN opposing the proposed Plastic Waste Control Regulations 2026?
MAN believes the regulations are premature, lack sufficient empirical support, and could negatively affect manufacturing activities and employment.
- What key measures are included in the proposed regulations?
The regulations would ban single-use plastic products below 80 microns in thickness, impose taxes on certain plastic shopping bags, and restrict several plastic products.
- Does MAN support environmental protection efforts?
Yes. MAN supports initiatives aimed at reducing environmental pollution but advocates a more evidence-based and gradual approach.
