As Nigeria grapples with the mounting crisis of Plastic pollution, a transformative Position Paper presented by Engr. Adesegun Osibanjo offers a bold and timely roadmap for reform.
The Paper, released in support of the upcoming Plastic Stakeholders Summit, powered by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and backed by Environmental technocrats and Industry stakeholders, calls for Innovation, Public engagement, and Strategic investment in circular solutions rather than outright prohibition.
With Lagos State actively considering a total ban on Plastic packaging, Osibanjo warns that this approach, while well-intentioned, may create unforeseen disruptions across sectors. Instead, the Paper advocates for a science-driven, inclusive regulatory strategy that balances Environmental protection with Economic viability.
Plastic: Essential but Problematic
Plastic plays a central role in Nigeria’s economy and daily life. It facilitates food preservation, supports medical safety, enhances logistics, and provides affordable packaging for small businesses. Its durability and low cost have made it indispensable across industries, from Agriculture and Construction to Commerce and Healthcare.
Yet, the environmental price of plastic’s proliferation is steep. Nigeria produces more than 4.8 million tons of plastic waste each year. Much of this ends up in landfills, water bodies, or is incinerated in open spaces, leading to Urban flooding, blocked drainage systems, marine pollution, and hazardous emissions that imperil public health.
Risks of a Total Ban
The Position Paper warns that a blanket ban on plastics could destabilize small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), dismantle Recycling infrastructure, and exclude Low-income groups from accessing basic packaging. It could also trigger job losses, especially in the informal sector where thousands rely on Plastic trade and Waste recovery for income.
Instead of banning plastics outright, the Paper advocates for a phased ban targeting low-quality, single-use plastics—especially those below 40 microns. Simultaneously, the government should enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, which mandate producers to manage the waste resulting from their products.
Global Best Practices
To guide Nigeria’s transition, the Paper highlights successful models from around the world:
• Germany: Implements deposit-refund schemes and holds manufacturers accountable through EPR legislation.
• Japan: Pairs community-led segregation with technologically advanced waste-to-energy plants.
• India: Uses recycled plastics to build roads and supports upcycling startups.
• Brazil: Formalizes waste pickers into cooperatives, improving recycling rates and social equity.
• Kenya: Executes phased bans supported by citizen education and innovation funding.
These approaches demonstrate the effectiveness of combining policy reform with public participation and technological advancement.
Mass Awareness and Education
Osibanjo stresses that no policy can succeed without citizen engagement. A multifaceted public awareness campaign is crucial. Key components include:
• Community workshops in schools, religious institutions, and local councils
• Television, radio, and social media campaigns on plastic reduction and segregation
• Curriculum integration on sustainability and environmental literacy
• Mobile applications that reward recycling behavior
• Green ambassador programs featuring youth influencers
• Recognition awards for environmentally compliant households and businesses
Such campaigns would foster a shift in consumer behaviour and galvanize support for circular solutions.
Plastic Waste Segregation and Local Management
The Position Paper recommends practical steps for waste segregation at source, including:
• Color-coded bins for recyclables, non-recyclables, and organics
• Incentives for households and neighbourhoods that demonstrate compliance
• QR-coded smart bins and mobile tracking technologies
• Training for waste collectors and formalization of informal Waste workers
• Micro-recycling hubs in local communities to decentralize processing
These systems would strengthen local waste infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency.
Plastic Waste-to-Wealth Innovations
Beyond reducing waste, Osibanjo urges the government to unlock the economic potential of plastics through circular models:
• Chemical and mechanical recycling into resin and fibre materials
• Upcycled products like plastic furniture, building blocks, and household items
• Construction-grade plastic bricks, tiles, and paving blocks for infrastructure
• Export of processed plastic materials
• Job creation and enterprise development for youth and women in the waste economy
Countries like India and Kenya have demonstrated how plastic can build roads and houses, while enterprises like Plastic Bank offer monetary incentives for waste collection.
Electric Power Generation from Waste Plastic
One of the Paper’s most compelling proposals is the conversion of Plastic waste into Electricity. Technologies such as Pyrolysis and Gasification allow for efficient transformation of non-recyclable plastics into clean energy.
According to expert projections, Nigeria could harness over 29,000 megawatts annually from its plastic waste—significantly bolstering national power supply, particularly in off-grid regions.
Waste-to-energy plants, if implemented with environmental safeguards, offer a dual benefit: reducing landfill volumes and enhancing energy security.
Recommended Alternatives to a Ban
To support a sustainable transition, the Position Paper outlines strategic interventions:
• A phased ban on low-quality plastics
• Strict enforcement of EPR policies with independent audits
• Grants and tax incentives for businesses investing in recycled and biodegradable alternatives
• Stakeholder summits for policy alignment and national coordination
• Behaviour change campaigns to promote sustainable consumption
These recommendations aim to create a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking plastic management system.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Future
As Nigeria seeks to address its plastic crisis, Engr. Adesegun Osibanjo’s Position Paper offers a powerful blueprint for transformation. Through innovation, community involvement, and strategic policymaking, Lagos State, and the nation at large can establish a circular economy that values sustainability and inclusion.
With the Plastic Stakeholders Summit on the horizon, Industry leaders, Environmental experts, and Public officials are invited to align on practical, scalable, and locally relevant solutions. The guiding principle is simple but profound:
“Don’t ban Plastics—transform them.”
God bless Nigeria!
© Engr. Adéṣẹ́gun Olútáyọ̀ Adéolú Ọṣìbánjọ BENG, MBA
Lead Consultant, MaakBeat Transnational Ltd, Lagos.
His TV Guest Appearances & Video Links:http://youtube.com/post/UgkxTHsVgG2zByqcZ6Oqs5zqmfRybiYd_pXo?si=lRJBdEn1xYP16KO-
His Published Works: http://youtube.com/post/UgkxIZmGA1IgwTgXAwTRNyk71P2xru9Qs-6C?si=Lx6TeWlZM3MA0MYe
