FG unveils regulations to curb plastic pollution

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.

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 said 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 said.

The minister said Nigeria generated an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with the waste contributing to blocked drainages, flooding, polluted waterways and degraded landscapes.

He said plastic shopping bags below 80 microns in thickness would be regulated under the new framework.

According to him, the regulations cover producers, converters, brand owners, importers, retailers, consumers and waste managers.

He said recycling facilities would be required to meet prescribed environmental standards, while the use of banned toxic chemicals in plastic production would constitute a criminal offence.

In a goodwill message, Garba Muhammad, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), said the regulations were timely.

Muhammad said plastic pollution remained a major environmental challenge affecting communities, waterways, livelihoods and public health.

He said tackling the challenge required effective regulation, responsible production and consumption, strong institutions, innovation and sustained collaboration.

Earlier, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, said the regulations were aimed at improving material recovery and creating 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), said the unveiling marked a milestone in Nigeria’s move towards a circular economy.

She said ending plastic pollution required multi-stakeholder collaboration and effective implementation.