Manufacturers Warn Lagos Plastic Ban Could Cripple Jobs, Economy

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has issued a stern warning to the Lagos State Government, calling for an immediate reassessment of its plan to ban selected single-use plastics (SUPs) effective July 1, 2025. The association says the move could result in massive job losses, disrupt supply chains, and hurt both local and export-oriented businesses.

In a statement by MAN Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, the association expressed deep concern over what it described as a non-consultative and data-deficient policy decision that could have “severe unintended economic and social consequences.”

“The proposed ban was not informed by credible data, nor did it include adequate stakeholder consultation. It is out of touch with the realities of our socio-economic environment,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

Lack of Inclusion and Transparency in Policy Design

According to MAN, the process leading to the ban was flawed from inception. The Lagos State Government initiated the policy through the draft Lagos State Plastic Waste Management Policy (LSPWMP) 2020, which proposed mandatory contributions by manufacturers to a Lagos State Plastic Waste Fund—essentially duplicating the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme already being implemented at the national level.

MAN argues that the policy development process was not inclusive and did not provide room for social dialogue or industry engagement. Manufacturers, traders, recyclers, and other players in the plastic value chain were reportedly not consulted.

“We were never invited to discuss the likely economic fallout or explore alternatives before this ban was announced. It was a unilateral decision with no consideration for the thousands of businesses and informal workers who rely on SUPs,” the DG stated.

Far-Reaching Economic and Social Implications

An industry-wide impact assessment commissioned by MAN revealed several red flags:

• 100% of manufacturers surveyed feared the ban would lead to job cuts through workforce restructuring.
• 89% of SUP traders, most of them operating in the informal sector, said they had no alternative source of income.
• Over 75% of end-users confirmed they rely heavily on SUPs, with no affordable or accessible substitutes available.
• 93% of traders, especially women-led businesses, reported they had not received any information or government guidance on the ban or how to adapt.
• Recyclers raised concerns about reduced availability of feedstock, threatening the viability of recycling plants already operating below capacity.

MAN noted that the current policy does not provide for social protection, support for displaced workers, or investments in infrastructure to absorb the impact of the transition.

Policy Overreach and Missed Opportunities

The Association also pointed out that while plastic waste is a legitimate environmental concern, banning products outright is not a sustainable solution.

“Plastic is not the problem. The issue is the failure in waste collection, sorting infrastructure, and recycling. A blanket ban only substitutes one environmental challenge for another,” said Ajayi-Kadir.

MAN cited data showing that Nigeria’s plastic recycling rate is below 15%, compared to 52.5% in the UK and 68.9% in Germany. Despite a growing number of recycling businesses, their capacity remains underutilized due to insufficient feedstock.

Meanwhile, the global plastic recycling market was valued at $55.71 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $114.18 billion by 2032. MAN argues that Lagos—and Nigeria at large—should be building a circular economy, not restricting it.

Threat to Local Manufacturing and Exports

Manufacturers based in Lagos supply products across Nigeria and to several African countries. According to MAN, a state-wide ban threatens supply chains, export earnings, and the broader Nigerian economy.

Furthermore, the lack of viable alternatives could lead to compromised product packaging, higher costs for businesses and consumers, and reduced product shelf life, thereby worsening inflation and economic hardship.

“Many of the proposed alternatives like paper and biodegradable packaging are not only expensive but also unavailable at commercial scale,” the association noted.

MAN’s Policy Recommendations

Instead of a ban, MAN advocates a holistic approach to plastic waste that includes:

• Evidence-based policymaking, rooted in local data and socioeconomic realities.
• Inclusive stakeholder engagement, involving manufacturers, traders, waste managers, and consumers.
• Support for infrastructure, including recycling plants, collection systems, and land allocation for sorting hubs.
• Collaboration with existing national frameworks like the National Plastic Action Roadmap and the EPR programme.
• Locally adapted solutions, rather than importing foreign policy models without contextual adjustments.

Ajayi-Kadir also emphasized that Nigeria, as a major oil producer, should be investing in petrochemical innovation—not dismantling it. He pointed to Canada’s $1.8 billion public investment in Dow Chemical’s recycling project as a forward-looking model that aligns industrial and environmental goals.

Call for Dialogue, Not Disruption

MAN stressed its continued commitment to transitioning toward circularity, improving product design, and adopting cleaner production processes. However, the association urged the Lagos State Government to halt the SUP ban and return to the negotiation table.

“We support environmental responsibility, but it must not come at the cost of livelihoods, economic stability, and national development. The ban is counterproductive. Let us work together on solutions that are inclusive, data-driven, and sustainable,” Ajayi-Kadir concluded.

As the July 1 enforcement date looms, industry stakeholders, traders, and recyclers await a response from the state government on whether it will reconsider or move forward with the policy amid growing backlash.

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