By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has defended the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations, 2026, saying the framework is not intended to shut down industries or impose undue burdens on manufacturers.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on behalf of the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, the agency’s Director of Inspection and Enforcement, Dr. Christopher Beka, said recent concerns raised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) were based on a misunderstanding of the regulations.
He clarified that the regulations do not impose a blanket ban on all single-use plastics, noting that the 80-micron restriction applies only to specific plastic bags and not all plastic packaging materials.
Beka explained that the regulations provide phased implementation timelines, including recycled PET content requirements that will commence in 2028, allowing manufacturers ample time to adjust and invest in compliance measures.
According to him, the regulations are designed to reduce plastic pollution, promote recycling, strengthen producer responsibility and create new opportunities in Nigeria’s emerging circular economy.
NESREA also dismissed fears that the policy would threaten jobs or increase import dependence, arguing that it would instead stimulate local recycling industries, create employment and encourage investment in waste recovery infrastructure.
The agency maintained that suspending the regulations would create uncertainty and delay efforts to tackle the growing challenge of plastic pollution across the country.
It, however, reiterated its commitment to continued engagement with manufacturers, recyclers and other stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of the regulations and address legitimate industry concerns.
