The Nigerian Federal Government has transitioned from voluntary waste management guidelines to mandatory enforcement, making it legally binding for plastic producers, importers, and brand owners to manage their product lifecycles and waste. This significant policy shift was announced by the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor, during a stakeholders’ sensitization program on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) held in Owerri. The program was aimed at educating different stakeholders, including manufacturers and recyclers, on their responsibilities regarding plastic waste management.

During the event, Barikor highlighted that addressing plastic waste management has become a national priority that requires collective action from all involved parties. He reiterated the importance of the