The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended the Ogun State Government for its proactive and innovative approach to managing plastic waste, particularly single-use plastics, in a manner that promotes both environmental sustainability and economic growth.

In a statement issued by MAN’s Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the association praised the state’s commitment to reducing plastic pollution through inclusive policies and strategic partnerships with manufacturers and stakeholders in the plastic value chain.

Ajayi-Kadir described Ogun’s initiatives as a model for responsible environmental management that aligns with MAN’s values of sustainability and circular economy practices.

Speaking at the 2025 World Environment Day celebration in Abeokuta, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, presented several of the state’s flagship waste management projects under the theme “Beating Plastics.”

Key among these initiatives are the “Plastics for Cash” and “Blue Box” programs. The Plastics for Cash scheme incentivizes residents to collect and exchange sorted plastic waste for money or goods—empowering youth, women, and informal waste collectors in the process. Meanwhile, the Blue Box initiative facilitates structured, door-to-door separation and collection of recyclable materials, overseen by the Ogun State Waste Management Authority.

To further institutionalize these efforts, the state has inaugurated a Plastic Management Committee, comprising regulatory agencies, manufacturers, and academic representatives. The committee’s role includes promoting the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines, supporting plastic buy-back programmes, and creating jobs along the recycling value chain.

While commending Ogun, MAN voiced strong concern over what it described as a “disingenuous ban” on single-use plastics recently introduced in Lagos State. According to the association, sudden bans can have negative consequences for jobs, small businesses, and the informal economy.

Ajayi-Kadir argued that rather than prohibition, governments should adopt balanced and strategic approaches that align environmental priorities with economic realities.

“Egypt’s partnership with social enterprises like Banlastic focuses on education and recycling. Ghana is converting plastic waste into affordable building materials. Even the U.S. is investing in national recycling plans and innovation challenges. These models prioritize circularity over bans,” he explained.

He urged Lagos and other states to draw inspiration from Ogun’s model and revitalize existing frameworks such as the smart bins and Blue Box initiatives already piloted in Lagos, rather than abandoning them in favor of outright bans.

Ajayi-Kadir emphasized that sustainable waste management must be based on inclusive stakeholder engagement, scalable alternatives, and adequate infrastructure. He said policies should guide productivity toward circular practices rather than hinder it.

“Effective waste management shouldn’t punish production. It should provide the enabling environment for circularity, job creation, and wealth generation,” he said.

MAN reiterated its readiness to work with Ogun State and other stakeholders to build a national model for plastic waste management that addresses pollution while fostering economic resilience.

Ajayi-Kadir concluded with a reminder that the problem lies not in the plastic material itself, but in weak waste management systems and enforcement.

“We must invest in systems that convert waste to wealth—not rely on reactionary measures that hurt industrial growth and deepen poverty,” he said.