NESREA Defends Plastic Waste Regulations, Rejects Suspension Calls
Plastic Recycling | 2026-06-23 07:59:19
The agency dismissed concerns that the regulations will lead to a blanket ban on single-use plastics.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Nigeria’s environmental regulator has defended the newly introduced Plastic Waste Control Regulations 2026. The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) said the regulations are essential to addressing the country’s growing plastic pollution crisis and advancing a circular economy. It rejected the calls by manufacturers to suspend the new regulations.
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NESREA noted that the regulations are not intended to harm industry but to promote responsible plastic waste management, recycling, and resource efficiency. Prof. Innocent Barikor, Director-General, NESREA, highlighted that the rules are designed to reduce environmental degradation, create green jobs, attract investment, and strengthen the country’s recycling sector.
The agency dismissed concerns that the regulations will lead to a blanket ban on single-use plastics. The 80-micron requirement applies only to specific plastic bag categories. Furthermore, the new regulation does not prohibit plastic packaging used in food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, or logistics, it said.
Also, NESREA highlighted that implementation will be only in a phased manner. The minimum recycled PET content requirements will begin at 25% in 2028 and rise to 50% by 2030, it added.
POLL
What is the most significant expected benefit of Nigeria’s Plastic Waste Control Regulations?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is NESREA supporting the Plastic Waste Control Regulations 2026?
NESREA believes the regulations are necessary to reduce plastic pollution, improve recycling rates, promote resource efficiency, and support a circular economy.
- Has NESREA agreed to suspend the regulations?
No. The agency has firmly rejected requests from manufacturers to suspend the new rules.
- Do the regulations ban all single-use plastics?
No. NESREA clarified that the regulations do not amount to a blanket ban and that the 80-micron requirement applies only to certain plastic bag categories.
