Manufacturers Advocate Recycling Over Plastic Ban

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the federal government to reconsider plans to ban single-use plastics, advocating instead for a more sustainable and economically viable approach centered on recycling. According to the association, banning plastics outright could lead to serious consequences for industries, jobs, and the environment if not handled with a strategic, long-term vision.

Speaking on behalf of manufacturers across the country, the Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said that while plastic pollution is a pressing issue, the solution lies in building a robust recycling infrastructure rather than shutting down an entire segment of production. He emphasized that a ban could negatively impact numerous sectors, including food and beverage, healthcare, packaging, and fast-moving consumer goods, all of which rely heavily on plastic materials for daily operations.

Ajayi-Kadir pointed out that many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form a significant part of Nigeria’s manufacturing landscape, lack the capital to pivot immediately to alternatives. An abrupt ban, he warned, could result in closures, job losses, and disruptions to supply chains. “We understand the need for environmental responsibility,” he stated, “but we must also safeguard livelihoods and the economy.”

Instead of a blanket ban, MAN recommends a phased and inclusive strategy that includes investments in recycling technology, public awareness campaigns, and the promotion of alternative packaging materials. They believe that encouraging the reuse and proper disposal of plastics, coupled with effective regulatory oversight, will yield better long-term results for both the environment and the economy.

The group also urged the government to consider introducing incentives for industries that adopt biodegradable or recyclable materials. They suggested tax waivers, grants, and access to low-interest loans as possible ways to support the transition. In addition, the establishment of recycling hubs and partnerships with private waste management firms could help build a circular economy where plastics are reused efficiently.

Manufacturers further highlighted that single-use plastics play a significant role in food safety, hygiene, and logistics, particularly in areas with limited access to reliable infrastructure. Banning them without an affordable and scalable alternative could create unintended public health risks and drive up production costs for essential goods.

In many parts of the world, recycling has proven to be an effective tool in managing plastic waste. Countries that have made progress in reducing pollution did so by combining regulation with investment in technology and consumer education. According to MAN, Nigeria should follow a similar model, adapting it to local realities rather than copying foreign policies wholesale.

Environmentalists and policymakers are split on the issue. While some agree with manufacturers that recycling is the way forward, others argue that without strong action like a ban, behavior change will remain slow and ineffective. For now, the federal government is yet to take a final position, though officials have indicated they are open to consultation with industry leaders and environmental groups.

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) had earlier suggested a gradual phase-out of single-use plastics, but some lawmakers are pushing for a more aggressive timeline. A bill currently under consideration proposes to prohibit the production, importation, and distribution of certain plastic products, including bags, straws, and cutlery, within the next few years.

As the debate continues, MAN is calling for broader dialogue and data-driven decision-making. They have proposed the formation of a multi-stakeholder task force to assess the impact of plastic use and recommend practical steps for reducing its environmental footprint. This task force, they argue, should include government agencies, industry experts, environmental scientists, and civil society representatives.

Ajayi-Kadir concluded by reiterating that the manufacturing sector is not opposed to change, but insists it must be managed responsibly. “We are committed to environmental sustainability,” he said, “but we need policies that reflect our economic realities and give us the tools to adapt, not punish the very businesses that keep our economy running.”

For now, manufacturers remain hopeful that the government will prioritize dialogue over decrees and work with industry stakeholders to create a future where environmental sustainability and economic progress go hand in hand.