The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the leading advocacy voice of manufacturers in the country, has commended the Ogun State Government for its proactive and sustainable approach to managing plastic waste, particularly single-use plastics, across the state.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, the Association praised the state government’s initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste, promoting recycling, and fostering a cleaner, more sustainable environment. He lauded the Ministry of Environment’s strategic resolve to partner with manufacturers and key stakeholders in the plastic value chain to advance its “waste to wealth” initiative.
“These efforts are commendable and fully align with MAN’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices,” said Ajayi-Kadir.
Ajayi-Kadir emphasized that these constructive efforts stand in stark contrast to recent developments in Lagos State, where a blanket ban on the production and use of single-use plastics was recently enacted.
“Rather than implementing sudden and outright bans, progressive strategies that balance environmental sustainability with economic stability should be adopted,” he stated.
The Ogun State Government’s approach was presented by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, during this year’s World Environment Day commemoration held in Abeokuta. Themed “Beating Plastics,” the event showcased innovative programs such as the “Plastics for Cash” and “Blue Box” initiatives, key elements of the state’s holistic strategy to manage and convert waste into economic value.
The Plastics for Cash program enables residents to exchange sorted plastic waste for monetary value or goods, creating income opportunities for youth, women, and informal waste collectors. The Blue Box initiative, meanwhile, promotes house-to-house waste separation and structured collection, spearheaded by the Ogun State Waste Management Authority.
To bolster these programs, the state government has inaugurated a Plastic Management Committee comprising regulatory agencies, manufacturers, and academic institutions. The Committee is tasked with driving the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines under the national framework, supporting plastic buy-back programs and creating jobs along the recycling value chain.
Citing global examples, the MAN Director General pointed to Egypt, where government collaboration with social enterprises like Banlastic focuses on education, community clean-ups, and recycling. In Ghana, companies like Nelplast are transforming plastic waste into affordable construction materials, while the United States is pursuing a national recycling plan and innovation challenges to enhance plastic recovery and energy efficiency.
“These models embrace circularity rather than prohibition. As an advocacy organization, MAN continues to caution against blanket bans and advocates for inclusive, scalable solutions like those embraced by Ogun State,” Ajayi-Kadir said.
He urged all stakeholders involved in environmental protection and waste management to emulate Ogun State’s forward-thinking efforts. He also called on Lagos State to refocus its strategies by reviving and implementing its existing frameworks, such as the Smart Bins initiative and its own Blue Box program, instead of imposing disruptive bans that risk widespread job losses, particularly among SMEs, women-led businesses, and informal waste workers.
“Sustainable solutions must be rooted in stakeholder engagement, viable alternatives, and the necessary infrastructure, The goal should not be to stifle productivity but to guide it towards a circular and sustainable path,” he asserted.
MAN reiterated its commitment to supporting inclusive environmental policies that balance the interests of people and the planet. “We believe that effective waste management is essential not just for environmental protection and public health, but also for economic development. The plastic pollution crisis is primarily a result of inadequate waste management infrastructure and poor enforcement, not the material itself. Our approach should promote industrial growth, wealth creation, and sustainable livelihoods, not lead to impoverishment through simplistic policy measures,” Ajayi-Kadir concluded.
The Association looks forward to deepening its collaboration with the Ogun State Government in promoting sustainable practices and addressing the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.
