As Nigeria grapples with the mounting crisis of plastic pollution, and with Lagos State mulling over a total ban on plastic packaging, a fresh debate is emerging in Nigeria’s environmental space: Should plastics be outrightly banned, or can they be reimagined into part of a sustainable economy?
A new position paper, released ahead of the upcoming Plastic Stakeholders Summit, powered by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and backed by industry leaders and environmental technocrats, argues firmly for the latter. Authored by environmental engineer and circular economy advocate, Engr. Adesegun Osibanjo, the paper outlines a compelling case for innovation, public education, and systemic reform over prohibition.
At the heart of the argument is a simple but powerful idea: Don’t ban plastics — transform them.
Plastic: Essential but Problematic
Plastics are deeply woven into everyday life in Nigeria. They keep food fresh, provide low-cost packaging for small businesses, protect goods in transit, and are used across healthcare, construction, and agriculture.
But this convenience comes at a cost. Nigeria produces an estimated 4.8 million tons of plastic waste each year — much of it uncollected, burnt in open spaces, or dumped into drains and waterways. The results are familiar: blocked drainage systems, urban flooding, marine pollution, and toxic air pollution.
While the call for a total ban may sound like an urgent solution, experts warn it could do more harm than good.
Risks of a Total Ban
The position paper raises concerns that an outright plastic ban could have unintended social and economic consequences. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which rely heavily on affordable plastic packaging, could be hardest hit. In the informal sector, where thousands of people make a living through the collection, sorting, and resale of plastic waste, job losses could be significant.
There’s also the issue of accessibility. Many low-income Nigerians rely on products packaged in plastic sachets, from drinking water to cooking oil. A sweeping ban could cut them off from basic goods.
Instead, the paper by Engr. Osibanjo proposes a phased approach, beginning with a ban on low-quality, single-use plastics (especially those under 40 microns in thickness), while scaling up recycling infrastructure and alternatives.
Global Best Practices — and What Nigeria Can Learn
Several countries facing similar waste challenges have shown that plastics can be managed more effectively through policy innovation and public engagement.
Germany employs a deposit-refund system and mandates that producers manage their product waste.
Japan combines community-led waste segregation with high-tech waste-to-energy plants.
India uses recycled plastic in road construction and backs small businesses that upcycle waste.
Brazil has formalized the role of waste pickers, increasing recycling rates and boosting incomes.
Kenya took a phased ban approach, supported by innovation grants and public education.
These models, the paper argues, show that a mix of government policy, grassroots involvement, and private sector investment can transform how plastic waste is handled.
Mass Awareness and Education
A central theme of the paper is the role of public awareness in solving the plastic crisis. Without informed and willing citizens, no policy will succeed.
It recommends a nationwide campaign that includes:
Community workshops in schools, religious institutions, and local councils
Campaigns across radio, TV, and social media promoting segregation and recycling
Educational curriculum reforms introducing environmental literacy
Green ambassador programs targeting youth
Incentives and recognition for environmentally responsible homes and businesses
Such campaigns, Osinbajo argued in the paper, would help reshape attitudes and encourage behavioural shifts toward more sustainable consumption.
Plastic Waste Segregation and Local Management
Another recommendation is introducing waste segregation at the household level which include:
Color-coded bins for recyclables, non-recyclables, and organics
Incentives for households and neighbourhoods that demonstrate compliance
QR-coded smart bins and mobile tracking technologies
Training for waste collectors and formalization of informal Waste workers
Micro-recycling hubs in local communities to decentralize processing
These systems, the paper argued, would strengthen local waste infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency.
Plastic Waste-to-Wealth Innovations
Beyond reducing waste, Osibanjo urges the government to unlock the economic potential of plastics through circular models:
Chemical and mechanical recycling into resin and fibre materials
Upcycled products like plastic furniture, building blocks, and household items
Construction-grade plastic bricks, tiles, and paving blocks for infrastructure
Export of processed plastic materials
Job creation and enterprise development for youth and women in the waste economy
READ ALSO: Lagos Govt Begins Full Enforcement of Single-Use Plastics Ban July 1
Countries like India and Kenya are already building roads and homes with plastic-derived materials. Could Nigeria be next?
Electric Power Generation from Waste Plastic
One of the boldest proposals in the paper is the use of waste-to-energy technology, particularly pyrolysis and gasification. These processes convert non-recyclable plastic waste into electricity and fuel.
Experts estimate that Nigeria could generate up to 29,000 megawatts of power annually from its plastic waste. That’s more than double the country’s current on-grid capacity — and a potential solution for off-grid and underserved communities.
If implemented with proper environmental controls, this could be a game-changer in both energy and waste management.
Recommended Alternatives to a Ban
To support a sustainable transition, the position paper outlines strategic interventions that include:
A phased ban on low-quality plastics
Strict enforcement of EPR policies with independent audits
Grants and tax incentives for businesses investing in recycled and biodegradable alternatives
Stakeholder summits for policy alignment and national coordination
Behaviour change campaigns to promote sustainable consumption
These recommendations aim to create a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking plastic management system.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Future
As Nigeria seeks to address its plastic crisis, Engr. Osibanjo’s position paper offers a powerful blueprint for transformation. Through innovation, community involvement, and strategic policymaking, Lagos State, and the nation at large can establish a circular economy that values sustainability and inclusion.
With the Plastic Stakeholders Summit on the horizon, industry leaders, environmental experts, and public officials are invited to align on practical, scalable, and locally relevant solutions.
The guiding principle is simple but profound:
“Don’t ban plastics—transform them.”
God bless Nigeria!