Abuja: The Federal Government has unveiled new regulations to strengthen control of plastic waste, promote producer responsibility, and support Nigeria’s transition to a circular economy. The National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations, 2026, provide a framework for managing plastics from production and use to collection, recycling, and final disposal.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, unveiled the regulations on Thursday in Abuja. He was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Salihu Usman. Lawal stated that the regulations would require actors across the plastics value chain to take responsibility for the production, importation, sale, and use of plastic products. ‘Most importantly, it is a line between good intentions and enforceable action,’ he added.
The minister highlighted that Nigeria generates an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, contributing to blocked drainages, flooding, polluted waterways, and degraded landscapes. Under the new framework, plastic shopping bags below 80 microns in thickness would be regulated. The regulations cover producers, converters, brand owners, importers, retailers, consumers, and waste managers. Recycling facilities would need to meet prescribed environmental standards, and the use of banned toxic chemicals in plastic production would constitute a criminal offense.
In a goodwill message, Garba Muhammad, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), emphasized that the regulations were timely. Muhammad noted that plastic pollution remains a major environmental challenge affecting communities, waterways, livelihoods, and public health. He stressed that tackling this challenge required effective regulation, responsible production and consumption, strong institutions, innovation, and sustained collaboration.
Earlier, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, remarked that the regulations aimed to improve material recovery and foster conditions for a more circular plastics economy. ‘Today is significant as it marks a transition from policy intention to implementation. However, regulation alone cannot deliver these outcomes. It must be supported by functional systems, responsible markets, innovation, investment, and sustained collaboration across the value chain,’ he said.
Isabelle Vanderbeek, a representative of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), stated that the unveiling marked a milestone in Nigeria’s move towards a circular economy. She noted that ending plastic pollution required multi-stakeholder collaboration and effective implementation.