The Nigerian government has introduced a set of guidelines to support the implementation of the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management (NPPWM).
These guidelines, developed between March 2023 and November 2024, are designed to help state and local governments manage plastic waste more effectively and align with international commitments on environmental protection.
Policy objectives and areas of focus
The NPPWM, launched in 2021, aims to address the growing issue of plastic consumption and waste management capacity in Nigeria.
The policy sets out objectives to reduce plastic waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, limit the use of single-use plastics (SUPs), and promote circularity within the plastic value chain.
Recognising the critical role of state and local governments, the new guidelines provide a framework for addressing key areas such as waste collection, recycling, and the reduction of SUPs.
Development and validation of guidelines
The guidelines were formulated through a three-stage review process involving representatives from the Federal Government of Nigeria, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), local authorities, waste management agencies, and industry stakeholders.
Final validation took place at workshops in September and October 2024, where stakeholders assessed and approved the recommendations.
Implementation framework for state and local governments
The document outlines specific actions for state and local governments under two main focus areas: 'Collection, Diversion and Recycling' and 'Single-use Plastics.'
The guidelines aim to improve plastic waste collection, divert waste from landfills, enhance recycling efforts, and phase out or reduce the circulation of SUPs.
While the guidelines establish a minimum standard, they also allow governments to adopt more ambitious measures based on their capacity and local circumstances.
The guidelines are expected to evolve over time to reflect policy changes and lessons learned from their initial implementation.
Full details on the recommendations can be accessed via the official document: Nigeria Plastics Implementation Guidelines.
