MAN Warns Against Ban on Single-Use Plastic

• The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria warns that a nationwide ban on single-use plastics could lead to significant job losses across industries
• MAN emphasizes that small and medium-sized enterprises will struggle to adapt to the ban, risking local economies and job creation

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has cautioned against the proposed nationwide ban on single-use plastics, warning that it will significantly affect businesses across various sectors.

Earlier this year, Lagos and Oyo states banned single-use plastics, including Styrofoam, to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and promote sustainable practices. In June, the federal government announced a ban on single-use plastics across all its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), signalling a move towards a broader nationwide ban.

MAN highlighted the immediate and long-term economic implications of such a ban, including the risk of job losses. The association stated: “Implementing a single-use plastics ban is likely to result in job losses within industries heavily reliant on producing and distributing these products. Workers employed in the manufacturing, packaging, and sales of single-use plastics face the risk of unemployment as companies adapt to the new regulatory landscape. Factories unable to transition to alternative materials or absorb the associated costs may be forced to cease operations, leading to job losses and economic disruptions in affected regions.”

The association also emphasized that the plastics industry’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable to the ban’s impacts. “These businesses often have limited resources to invest in new technologies or retool their operations. Consequently, they may face significant challenges adapting to the new regulatory environment. The closure of SMEs can have far-reaching consequences for local economies, as they contribute to job creation, tax revenue, and supply chain stability.”

MAN called on the federal government to adopt a comprehensive and strategic approach to achieving a successful transition. The association suggested establishing a robust recycling infrastructure, incentivizing participation, and investing in research and development to create innovative and sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.