By Folarin Kehinde
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency has clarified the provisions of the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations, 2026, saying the framework is not aimed at shutting down industries, discouraging investment or imposing sudden burdens on manufacturers.
The agency’s clarification followed concerns raised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria over the newly gazetted regulations.
Speaking at a pre-launch media briefing in Abuja on Monday, NESREA Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, represented by Dr. Christopher Beka, said some stakeholders’ concerns stemmed from a misunderstanding of the regulations’ scope, purpose, and implementation.
Barikor said the regulations were developed to reduce plastic pollution, strengthen producer responsibility, improve waste recovery, stimulate recycling markets and promote a circular economy.
