The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the Lagos State Government to reconsider its planned ban on selected single-use plastics, set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
MAN highlighted that the decision lacks sufficient data, stakeholder consultation, and could result in economic disruption, job losses, and further hardship, particularly for low-income traders and microbusinesses.
In a recent statement signed by Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the director general, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria held that the decision does not recognise the current socio-economic situation and does not provide a beneficial solution, stating that the Ministry of Environment has yet to publish any study to back the reasons for the decision.
“The decision is predicated on the unsubstantiated claim that plastics, and especially some single-use plastics (SUPs) are associated with adverse health and environmental impact and therefore need to be banned. The Ministry is yet to publish any study to substantiate this claim,” the statement reads.
The association highlighted that the adverse environmental and social impacts are a result of failure in plastic waste management, and not plastic products themselves.
Emphasizing that the state government needs to support improved plastic recycling with infrastructure, leasing of lands as dumpsites for sorting at scale to enable adequate recycling.
Citing a recent study by the association, hundred percent of the manufacturers consulted expressed concern over the ban, as it will lead to job loss if implemented.
Also, 93 percent of dealers lack clarity on the policy due to inadequate information. While highlighting loss of revenue and compromise to product integrity as some of the implications of the ban.
MAN advised that a systems-oriented approach should be adopted, which will include inclusive stakeholder engagement, evidence-based policymaking, and support for local alternatives, which balance environmental goals with Nigeria’s socio-economic realities.
*Motunrayo Koyejo is a software engineer specialising in fintech solutions for emerging markets. With a passion for leveraging technology to drive financial inclusion, she contributes insights to Africa’s digital transformation. She currently works as a senior software engineer at Cowrywise
