Single-use Plastic Ban in Lagos: MAN Raises Concerns Over Economic Impact

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concerns over the Lagos State Government’s decision to implement a ban on certain single-use plastics, effective July 1, 2025. In a press statement, MAN highlighted the potential adverse economic and social impacts of the ban, citing a lack of credible data to support the decision.

According to MAN,  the process for the pronouncement on the ban on SUPs in Lagos State was not inclusive. It began with the development of the draft Lagos State Plastic Waste Management Policy (LSPWMP) 2020,  the ban was not informed by comprehensive, context-specific data and was implemented without adequate stakeholder engagement. The Association emphasized that plastic waste management, rather than plastic production, is the root cause of the problem.

MAN pointed out that the ban would lead to significant job losses, disruptions to supply chains, and loss of revenue, including export earnings. The Association also noted that the ban would compromise product integrity, as sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics are currently limited and expensive.

The document (which was developed when the draft National Plastic Waste Control Regulation (NPWCR) 2023 was at a development stage) indicates specific and practical aspirations and steps for achieving plastic (including SUPs) circularity within the Country. The development process gave appropriate consideration to the provisions of the draft NPWCR, an enabling law to execute the aspirations of the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management (NPPWM), 2020. It also contemplated the different plastic types and their uses. The output was therefore widely endorsed and accepted as the process was inclusive and evidence-based, even though the aspirations were not favourable to industry.

The Association emphasized the need for a systems-oriented approach to achieving circularity in plastic production and waste management. MAN advocated for evidence-based policymaking, inclusive stakeholder engagement, support for local alternatives and infrastructure, and collaborative governance.

MAN’s Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, reiterated the Association’s commitment to working collaboratively with the public sector to create policies that allow manufacturing to thrive. MAN supports the environmental intent of plastic waste management but believes this can only be achieved through policies that are inclusive, evidence-based, and sustainably implemented.

In light of the concerns raised, MAN humbly submits that the ban on single-use plastics should be discontinued. Instead, the Association recommends a balanced strategy that prioritizes circular economy principles, improved waste collection and recycling infrastructure, and support for local industries.