Reps Panel proposes phased plastic ban with green tax, EPR

NIGERIA – Nigeria’s House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Preparedness for the Single-Use Plastic Ban has called for a phased and evidence-based transition to the proposed ban, warning that an immediate nationwide prohibition could trigger job losses, business closures and supply-chain disruptions.

The committee, chaired by Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment Terseer Ugbor, made the recommendation at the unveiling of the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations, 2026, Stakeholders’ Implementation Dialogue in Abuja.

The committee noted that Nigeria generates close to 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with less than 10 per cent formally recycled, contributing to blocked drainage systems and marine pollution. 

Phased Transition and Fiscal Measures Proposed

The committee recommended a phased legislative and regulatory schedule, harmonisation of federal and state plastic regulations, stronger enforcement, recycling incentives and retooling support for affected businesses and workers. 

It also proposed consideration of an immediate ban on lightweight plastics below 40 microns as part of measures to tackle the country’s plastic waste crisis. 

Targeted fiscal measures including a Green Tax and stronger Extended Producer Responsibility obligations for plastic producers and importers were recommended, with revenue channelled into recycling infrastructure and circular economy development. 

The committee warned that an immediate nationwide ban could particularly affect small and medium-sized enterprises that may be unable to afford the machinery required to switch to alternative packaging.

Stakeholder Positions and Industry Recommendations

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria proposed a gradual phase-out over 14 years, while the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance recommended a one-to-two-year ban on Styrofoam and lightweight nylons below 40 microns, followed by expanded EPR obligations for PET bottles and water sachets. 

NESREA Director-General Professor Innocent Barikor warned that a sudden blanket ban could affect access to clean drinking water and lead to significant job losses, advocating a phased transition towards full circularity by 2030. 

The committee stressed that revenue generated through green taxation and EPR could be channelled into recycling infrastructure and used to support the development of a nationwide circular economy. 

Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by Permanent Secretary Salihu Usman, described the transition to a circular plastic economy as an environmental, public health, employment and governance project, stressing that waste could become a raw material for new industries through efficient collection, processing and recycling. 

The committee maintained that a successful single-use plastic ban should be implemented through a carefully designed roadmap combining phased regulation, green fiscal incentives, industrial support and effective enforcement.

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