The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, has rejected demands to suspend Nigeria’s new plastic waste control regulations.
The agency said the policy is essential to address rising environmental and public health challenges linked to plastic pollution.
It described calls for suspension as harmful to ongoing efforts to build a circular plastics economy.
NESREA said delaying the regulations would slow urgently needed environmental reforms.
It also warned that suspension would send negative signals to investors and development partners.
Director-General of the agency, Innocent Barikor, said the framework is not targeted at crippling industry.
He explained that the goal is to reduce plastic pollution while promoting recycling and resource efficiency.
Barikor said the policy is designed to create jobs and attract investment in sustainable waste management.
He dismissed claims that the regulations amount to a ban on single-use plastics.
According to him, the 80-micron rule applies only to specific plastic bag categories.
He said it does not affect all plastic packaging used in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and logistics.
NESREA insisted that the regulations allow a phased implementation process for manufacturers.
It said industries have time to adjust and invest in recycling and compliance systems.
The agency noted that recycled PET requirements will begin at 25 per cent in 2028.
It added that the requirement would increase to 50 per cent by 2030.
NESREA said these timelines are meant to support industry transition and local capacity building.
The agency warned that plastic pollution is already causing major environmental damage.
It cited blocked drainage systems, flooding, marine litter and ecosystem degradation as key impacts.
It also linked poor plastic waste management to public health and economic losses.
NESREA said the new framework could unlock opportunities in recycling and waste management industries.
It added that the policy could create thousands of green jobs across different sectors.
The agency also said Nigeria was already bearing heavy costs due to environmental neglect.
It argued that prevention is cheaper than ongoing cleanup and flood damage control.
NESREA said the policy is based on the “polluter-pays” principle.
It explained that producers must take responsibility for waste generated from their products.
The agency also rejected fears that the policy would increase import dependence.
It said the framework promotes local recycling and domestic raw material production.
NESREA stressed that plastic pollution must be addressed across the entire value chain.
It included design, production, consumption, collection and final disposal stages.
The agency said a central data system would track plastic production and waste recovery.
It added that compliance monitoring would improve accountability in the sector.
NESREA maintained that the regulations aligned with existing national environmental policies.
It said Nigeria must shift toward enforceable and sustainable waste management practices.
The agency described the policy moment as a turning point in environmental governance.
It said the plastics system could no longer operate without producer responsibility.
However, NESREA said it remained open to dialogue with manufacturers and stakeholders.
It proposed further engagement on implementation timelines and compliance support.
The regulator said the aim is to strengthen, not weaken, Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
It added that the reforms would improve competitiveness in a sustainability-driven global economy.
The dispute is expected to shape the future of Nigeria’s plastics industry and environmental policy direction.
