Nigeria, a nation experiencing the twin problems of population explosion and urbanisation, is at the crossroads in its battle against environmental degradation.
One of the most widespread threats is plastic pollution, particularly that of single-use plastics (SUPs), which clog water bodies, contaminate soil, and pose a serious public health risk.
Throughout Nigeria, there is a growing awareness of environmental issues today. Many states are waking up to the grim realities of plastic pollution.
A number of states are now banning single-use plastics. While it is a commendable first step, it’s largely contentious.
The intent to institute bans may be altruistic, but the execution leaves much to be desired. In the absence of available alternatives and inclusive stakeholder engagement, the bans tend to produce more drama than results.
An undiscriminating ban, with no strategy and support infrastructure in place, can push people and organisations into compliance exhaustion or even worse, hopelessness. There must be a smarter way, and some of the states, like Ogun, are showing there is.
The Ogun State Government is charting a different kind of path, one of partnership, innovation, and sustainability.
Rather than using the hammer of prohibition, Ogun is building an approach that promotes behaviour change and stimulates economic opportunity.
Firstly, Ogun State residents are motivated through initiatives like “Plastics for Cash” to sort plastic waste in return for commodities or cash. This promotes correct disposal and economic assistance to poorer groups in particular.
Then there is another scheme, the “Blue Box” initiative, that promotes household sorting of waste and systematic collection. This instils the habit of waste separation at the source, a key principle in effective waste management.
Equally significant is the fact that Ogun State has established a Plastic Management Committee, consisting of regulatory agencies, manufacturers, and research institutions.
Through this platform, the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is actively enhanced. With the EPR, producers are made accountable throughout the entire lifecycle of plastic products, including the collection and recycling of post-consumer materials.
This innovative, partnership-driven model has received the endorsement of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
MAN has publicly endorsed Ogun’s approach as a smart and green alternative to blanket bans. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the Director General of MAN, emphasised that the project is in harmony with the organisation’s campaign for responsible production and the protection of the environment.
Compare this to Lagos State’s recent ban on single-use plastics. Though well-intentioned, critics have pointed out a lack of clarity, poor public engagement, and limited access to sustainable alternatives.
The result? Confusion among vendors, increased operating costs for small businesses, and the proliferation of black-market alternatives that are even harder to regulate.
I believe however that Nigeria is capable of turning its humongous plastic pollution problem into a sustainability success story. It must however act boldly and smartly.
To advance sustainably, it is important to adopt a National Framework for single-use plastics management.
Federal and state governments must work together to harmonise policy approaches. A national framework will ensure consistency, prevent policy clashes, and encourage investment in alternatives and recycling.
Secondly, we must scale up EPR Implementation. This means to enforce and expand the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework across all states.
Manufacturers must be responsible for the entire lifecycle of their plastic products, from design to disposal. This will drive innovation in packaging and support the growth of collection and recycling businesses.
Thirdly, the country must proactively invest in recycling infrastructure. For this to work, the government and private sector players must work together to invest in scalable recycling plants and logistics systems.
More importantly, support must extend to micro-recyclers and local aggregators, ensuring inclusivity and job creation. Unilever Nigeria is doing a lot in this space.
In addition, public education and awareness campaigns are indispensable. Any meaningful change begins with awareness.
Citizens must understand the dangers of plastic waste and the benefits of proper disposal. Schools, religious institutions, markets, and transport hubs must be focal points for education.
Besides, there should be support alternatives and innovation: Bans should only be imposed when viable alternatives exist.
The government must support local entrepreneurs and researchers developing biodegradable packaging and reusable products. Provide grants, tax breaks, and visibility to scale their solutions.
Moreover, there should be a reward for responsible behaviour. Ogun’s “Plastics for Cash” shows that economic incentives work. Scaling such programs nationwide can dramatically increase recycling rates and reduce littering, while offering income streams to unemployed youth and women.
Furthermore, data-driven monitoring and evaluation have to be in play. States must invest in tracking systems to measure plastic generation, collection, and recycling rates. Only with accurate data can interventions be refined and scaled appropriately.
The conversation around single-use plastics in Nigeria has evolved from denial to action, but the journey is only just beginning.
Ogun State offers a blueprint for a collaborative, economically inclusive, and environmentally sound approach. Rather than blanket bans that alienate key stakeholders, we must embrace integrated solutions that encourage responsibility, promote innovation, and create green jobs.
If we must ban, then we must plan. Without a coherent national strategy, the war on single-use plastic may become just another policy theatre, full of sound and fury, but signifying little. It’s time to turn the noise into progress.
*Elvis Eromosele, a corporate communications professional and sustainability advocate, wrote via elviseroms@gmail.com.
