MAN opposes proposed ban on thin plastics

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called for a suspension of the Federal Government's proposed ban on single-use plastics thinner than 80 microns. MAN argues that implementing this policy could render current investments obsolete, escalate production costs, diminish competitiveness, and lead to substantial capital losses for manufacturers.

MAN expressed concern over the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations 2026, which aim to prohibit the production and use of single-use plastic products below 80 microns and tax shopping bags within a specific thickness range. While the association supports environmental protection and sustainable waste management, it contends that the proposed regulation is premature, lacks adequate empirical backing, and poses significant risks to Nigeria's economy, manufacturing sector, and employment.

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The implementation of an 80-micron threshold would require substantial changes in manufacturing processes, machinery configurations, and raw material consumption. Such changes could render existing investments obsolete, increase production costs significantly, reduce competitiveness, and expose manufacturers to substantial capital losses

According to MAN Director-General Segun Ajayi-Kadir, enforcing the 80-micron threshold would necessitate major changes in manufacturing processes, machinery, and raw material consumption. He stated that such shifts could render existing investments useless, significantly increase production expenses, reduce competitiveness, and result in considerable capital losses for manufacturers.

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Increased production costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers, many of whom are already grappling with unprecedented inflationary pressures and declining purchasing power. Small businesses, market traders, food vendors, and informal sector operators who rely heavily on affordable packaging solutions will face additional operational costs, with potentially severe implications for business sustainability and household welfare

The association highlighted that Nigeria's plastic manufacturing industry is a major light manufacturing sector, supporting numerous facilities, small and medium-sized enterprises, and a broad value chain. MAN cautioned that higher production costs would inevitably be passed on to consumers already struggling with inflation and reduced purchasing power. Ajayi-Kadir noted that small businesses, traders, and informal operators relying on affordable packaging would face increased operational costs, potentially impacting their sustainability and household welfare.

Furthermore, MAN warned that the proposed regulation could hinder industrialization by increasing reliance on imported alternatives and raw materials. The association urged reconsideration of policies that could undermine domestic manufacturing capacity, especially at a time when Nigeria is striving for industrial growth, job creation, import substitution, and export diversification.

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At a time when Nigeria is pursuing industrialisation, job creation, import substitution, and export diversification, policies that undermine domestic manufacturing capacity should be carefully reconsidered