On September 3, 2026, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment presented the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations, 2026, to the public. The regulations, published in Nigeria’s Official Gazette on April 9, 2026, aim to reduce plastic pollution and support a transition toward a circular plastics economy. It introduces requirements for plastic packaging, recycling, chemical use, and extended producer responsibility (EPR).
Recycled PET
Under Section 28 of the regulation, single-use polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging must contain at least 25% food-grade recycled PET from January 1, 2028, increasing to 50% from 2030. The recycled material must meet the health, safety, and quality requirements of the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) for Recycled PET Bottles for Food-Grade Applications. Manufacturers must source recycled PET locally from certified food-grade recyclers and comply with reporting and verification requirements. Section 29 additionally requires plastic packaging to be traceable and subject to eco labeling by an agency-accredited entity.
Earlier in the regulation (Section 23) it is stated that “a producer of plastic shall… ensure the utilization of at least 30% of the recycled PET in its plastic packaging.” The meaning of the statement is not entirely clear, and unlike section 28 it lacks an implementation date.
Chemicals in plastics manufacturing
Section 27(2) requires producers to ensure that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are not used in the production of plastic products and packaging, while Section 36 makes the use of specified banned toxic chemicals, such as those in the Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, a criminal offense.
Flexible plastics and single-use items
Additional packaging requirements are outlined in the Eleventh Schedule. Flexible packaging for snacks and other foods, as well as lightweight food containers, must comply with EPR guidelines. Plastic food wraps, including cling film, must be uncolored and transparent or translucent and are exempt from taxation. The schedule also calls for disposable plastic cutlery, including forks, knives, and spoons, to be phased out, although it does not specify an implementation deadline.
Extended Producer Responsibility scheme details
Producers and importers must register with Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), while producers must finance and organize the collection and recycling of post-consumer plastic packaging. Facilities engaged in plastics production, collection, and recycling are also subject to registration, permitting, and environmental management requirements. The regulations include restrictions on certain thin plastic bags and penalties for noncompliance.
Background
The requirements for food-grade recycled PET come amid continuing scientific concerns about chemicals in recycled plastic food contact materials. Studies comparing virgin and recycled PET have found increased chemical diversity and higher concentrations of certain contaminants in recycled materials (FPF reported). In October 2026, the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) also highlighted challenges in demonstrating the chemical safety of recycled food-contact plastics in comments submitted to Codex Alimentarius (FPF reported).
Nigeria has previously introduced restrictions on single-use plastic food packaging at the state level. In January 2024, Lagos State announced a ban on polystyrene foam food containers, followed by a similar announcement in Abia State (FPF reported). The 2026 regulations establish a broader national framework for controlling plastic waste, incorporating recycled-content requirements, chemical restrictions, and producer responsibility.
References
Federal Republic of Nigeria (April 9, 2026). “National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations, 2026.” Official Gazette. (pdf)
Read more
Cornelius Essen (September 3, 2026). “FG unveils national environmental regulations framework 2026.” The Guardian Nigeria.
Zeniat Abubakar (June 23, 2026). “NESREA dismisses claims of blanket ban on plastic products.” Voice of Nigeria.
