Sunday Michael Ogwu
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Lagos State Government to reconsider its decision to ban selected single-use plastics (SUPs) starting July 1, 2025, warning that the move could trigger widespread economic and social disruptions without delivering meaningful environmental gains.
In a strongly worded press statement issued on Sunday, June 23, MAN said the planned ban lacks empirical backing, was implemented without proper consultation with stakeholders, and threatens thousands of jobs in Lagos and beyond.
The group argued that rather than outlawing SUPs, the state should invest in sustainable waste management and recycling infrastructure to tackle plastic pollution.
The Lagos State Ministry of Environment announced the impending ban in an effort to curb growing environmental degradation and public health concerns linked to plastic waste.
However, MAN insists the policy is “not informed by credible data” and risks undermining the country’s manufacturing base.
“There is no published study by the Ministry to support the claim that selected single-use plastics are significantly harmful,” said Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General of MAN. “Plastic itself is not the problem—mismanagement of plastic waste is. The solution lies in better collection, sorting, and recycling systems.”
Call for Circular Economy Instead of Prohibition
MAN emphasised that it supports environmental reforms and shares the global concern over plastic waste mismanagement. It pointed to the National Plastic Action Roadmap for Nigeria, developed in line with the 2020 National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, as a more viable and inclusive framework.
The roadmap encourages recycling, reuse, and circularity—approaches MAN says are already being adopted by many of its members.
MAN noted that about 40 member companies are reportedly part of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), which coordinates recycling initiatives under Nigeria’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme.
MAN criticised Lagos State’s creation of a parallel Plastic Waste Fund, calling it a duplication of efforts and a disruption of national frameworks.
Widespread Economic and Social Risks
Citing findings from a study it supported, MAN warned that the SUPs ban could trigger workforce restructuring across the plastics manufacturing value chain. According to the study:
- 100% of surveyed manufacturers anticipate job losses as a direct result of the ban.
- 89% of plastic product dealers rely solely on SUPs for income, with no alternative means of livelihood.
- 75% of end-users and traders—especially in the food sector—depend on SUPs due to lack of affordable alternatives.
- 93% of women-led businesses in the sector say they have received no official information or support from the government.
- Recyclers also warn that the ban would reduce feedstock availability, further weakening Nigeria’s already underutilised recycling capacity.
MAN also flagged potential losses in export earnings, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs for consumers. With Nigeria’s plastic packaging recycling rate currently under 15%, compared to over 50% in the UK and Germany, MAN urged Lagos to invest in waste collection and material recovery facilities.
The Global Context
Globally, the plastics industry is still expanding, with the recycling segment alone projected to grow from $55.7 billion in 2023 to $114.2 billion by 2032, according to industry data. MAN cited Canada’s $1.8 billion investment in petrochemical infrastructure as an example of policy alignment that supports both environmental and economic goals. “Rather than destroy our own petrochemical sector, Nigeria should seek to close the loop by ensuring plastics are reused and recycled,” the group said.
MAN’s Recommendations
The association proposed a five-point strategy for sustainable plastic waste management:
- Evidence-based policymaking that reflects local realities.
- Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement, particularly with traders and manufacturers.
- Support for Local Alternatives and Infrastructure, including land for sorting and collection hubs.
- Collaborative governance that aligns national and state policies.
- Avoidance of Foreign Policy Copying without contextual adaptation.
While affirming its commitment to environmental responsibility, MAN concluded that the SUP ban “is a move in the wrong direction” and urged the Lagos State Government to suspend its implementation. “Only inclusive, evidence-based policies can deliver sustainable results,” the statement read.
Sunday Michael Ogwu is a Nigerian journalist and editor of Pinnacle Daily. He is known for his work in business and economic reporting. He has held editorial roles in prominent Nigerian media outlets, where he has focused on economic policy, financial markets, and developmental issues affecting Nigeria and Africa more broadly.