MAN Hails Ogun’s Bold Strategy on Single-Use Plastic Waste, Urges Lagos to Follow Suit

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended the Ogun State Government for adopting a forward-thinking and inclusive strategy to tackle plastic waste, particularly the issue of single-use plastics.

This commendation was made public in a press statement signed by the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir.

Ajayi-Kadir lauded Ogun State’s proactive efforts in reducing plastic waste, encouraging recycling, and creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment. He noted the government’s willingness to collaborate with key stakeholders, including manufacturers and players across the plastic value chain.

“We appreciate the government’s initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste, promoting recycling, and ensuring a cleaner environment,” said Ajayi-Kadir. “The resolve of the Ministry to partner with manufacturers and other operators in the plastic value chain to advance its waste-to-wealth initiative is particularly commendable.”

The Ogun State Government’s initiatives were outlined by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, during this year’s World Environment Day celebration in Abeokuta, themed Beating Plastics. Two key programs were highlighted: the “Plastics for Cash” and the “Blue Box” initiatives.

According to Oresanya, the Plastics for Cash programme allows residents to exchange sorted plastic waste for money or goods, creating economic opportunities for youth, women, and informal waste collectors. The Blue Box initiative, meanwhile, promotes structured house-to-house waste separation and collection, coordinated by the Ogun State Waste Management Authority.

To further bolster these programs, the state has established a Plastic Management Committee comprising regulatory agencies, manufacturers, and academic institutions. This committee will drive the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines under Nigeria’s national framework and support plastic buy-back initiatives and job creation along the recycling value chain.

MAN’s endorsement of Ogun’s policies comes amid concerns over the recent decision by Lagos State to impose an outright ban on single-use plastics. The Association described such a move as “disingenuous,” cautioning that abrupt prohibitions could destabilise the economy and threaten livelihoods, particularly among small and medium enterprises, informal sector workers, and women-led businesses.

“Rather than sudden and outright bans, progressive strategies that balance environmental sustainability with economic stability should be adopted,” Ajayi-Kadir emphasised. “The approach should not punish productivity but guide it towards circularity.”

Citing international examples, the Association pointed to collaborative efforts in Egypt, where the government and social enterprises like Banlastic focus on education, clean-ups, and recycling. In Ghana, companies such as Nelplast are converting plastic waste into affordable building materials, while the United States is pursuing a national recycling plan to boost plastic recovery and design efficiency.

“These models focus on circularity, not prohibition,” said Ajayi-Kadir. “As an advocacy organisation, MAN has cautioned against the ban and called for a more sustainable and beneficial approach to managing waste, similar to the one Ogun State has adopted.”

MAN urged Lagos State to revisit and expand its own environmental frameworks and pilot programmes—such as smart bins and the Blue Box—rather than opting for restrictive measures.

Ajayi-Kadir added, “Sustainable solutions must be rooted in stakeholder engagement, scalable alternatives, and enabling infrastructure. Lagos should redirect its focus towards building an inclusive, data-backed, and economically viable waste management system.”

MAN reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with governments at all levels to champion policies that are inclusive and environmentally sound. “We believe that effective waste management is crucial for public health, environmental protection, and economic development,” the statement read.

“The Association looks forward to continued collaboration with the Ogun State Government to promote sustainable practices and address environmental challenges. We are convinced that the plastic pollution crisis is primarily a result of poor waste management infrastructure and enforcement, not the material itself.”

Ajayi-Kadir concluded by emphasising the need for waste management policies that foster innovation, job creation, and wealth generation. “We should aspire to achieve progressive waste management that leads to wealth and job creation, rather than adopt simplistic measures that stall industrialisation and lead to needless impoverishment.”