Nigeria News (Standard)
Manufacturers Association Opposes Federal Ban on Single-Use Plastics in Lagos, Warns of Higher Costs
MAN urges government to suspend proposed regulation, citing risk to jobs and small traders amid inflation concerns
MAN urges government to suspend proposed regulation, citing risk to jobs and small traders amid inflation concerns
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the federal government to halt plans for a nationwide ban on single-use plastics thinner than 80 microns, warning that the policy could increase operational costs and threaten jobs across Lagos State and beyond. The proposal, announced in June 2026, is part of the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations 2026 driven by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
If approved, the ban would immediately affect lightweight nylon shopping bags, plastic straws, disposable cutlery, thin packaging films, and similar items commonly used by market traders and food vendors throughout Nigeria. The regulation also proposes new taxes on shopping bags between 30 and 50 microns. According to MAN’s Director General Segun Ajayi-Kadir, manufacturers may be forced to overhaul machinery and absorb significant capital losses — costs likely to be passed on to consumers already battling high inflation.
Ajayi-Kadir stated in a written statement that while MAN supports environmental protection efforts, the current approach could disrupt businesses without delivering immediate ecological gains. “Small traders, food vendors and market operators who depend on affordable packaging would feel it most directly,” he said. MAN also cited international examples from Kenya, Bangladesh and India where outright bans led to factory closures and job losses but failed to eliminate banned products from informal markets.
The association urged government to consider alternative strategies such as Extended Producer Responsibility systems and investment in recycling infrastructure — models that have shown better results in countries like Germany, South Korea and the Netherlands. For everyday Nigerians, the experience from Lagos State’s earlier plastic ban at a lower threshold provides a glimpse: thin nylon bags from markets, plastic straws at restaurants, disposable cutlery with takeaway food, thin food wrapping films and lightweight supermarket bags could all disappear if the policy takes effect. However, sachet water packs and PET bottles are not expected to be affected immediately as they typically exceed the thickness threshold.
MAN has requested a comprehensive regulatory impact assessment before any new prohibition regime is introduced. The association called for full implementation of existing recycling programmes and broader stakeholder consultation to avoid unintended economic consequences. Government response is still pending as at press time.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/nigeria-proposed-plastic-ban-items-affected-2026061611233964035
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-Rivers Commissioner Named Among Top 50 Global Thought Leaders in Media Communications
Former state official recognised for strategic communication expertise as only Nigerian on international list released Tuesday
Former state official recognised for strategic communication expertise as only Nigerian on international list released Tuesday
A former Rivers State commissioner has been named among the world’s 50 most crucial thought leaders in media communications, marking a significant international recognition for Nigeria’s public sector professionals. The announcement was made on Tuesday, positioning the ex-commissioner as the sole Nigerian on the prestigious list.
The selection, announced by an unnamed global body, highlights individuals who have demonstrated exceptional influence and innovation in media communications worldwide. The ex-commissioner’s inclusion follows years of service in Rivers State, where his work reportedly shaped public information strategies and advanced government engagement with citizens.
This development is seen as a boost to Nigeria’s reputation in global communications circles, especially at a time when the country is pushing to improve its image abroad and promote transparency in government messaging. Analysts say such recognition can encourage more professionals within Nigeria to pursue excellence and adopt best practices aligned with international standards.
Although details about the selection criteria were not made public, sources familiar with the process noted that honourees were chosen based on their impact, leadership, and contributions to the evolution of media communications. No official statement has been issued by the Rivers State Government or federal authorities as at press time. However, communication experts in Nigeria have described the recognition as a welcome development that could inspire better performance among public officials.
Observers expect this recognition to open further opportunities for knowledge exchange between Nigerian professionals and their global counterparts. Stakeholders are also calling on government to leverage such achievements to enhance capacity building within the country’s communication sector.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Rejects ADC, Aregbesola’s Application to Withdraw from Leadership Suit, Imposes ₦1m Fine
Presiding judge rules against withdrawal bid in high-profile party dispute; ADC, Aregbesola to pay ₦1 million penalty
Presiding judge rules against withdrawal bid in high-profile party dispute; ADC, Aregbesola to pay ₦1 million penalty
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed an application by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, seeking to withdraw from an ongoing suit over the party’s leadership structure. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, also imposed a ₦1 million fine on the applicants.
The court proceedings saw the ADC and Aregbesola move to discontinue their involvement in a legal tussle concerning who holds legitimate authority within the party. However, the presiding judge rejected their request, citing procedural grounds and maintaining that such withdrawals must adhere strictly to established legal frameworks. The court further ordered both parties to pay a total of ₦1 million as penalty for what was described as an abuse of judicial process.
This development comes at a time when internal wrangling has unsettled several political parties ahead of upcoming elections, with many Nigerians closely following disputes over party leadership and representation. Legal experts note that cases like this highlight ongoing challenges with internal democracy within Nigerian political parties and may set precedents for future litigation.
Although neither ADC officials nor Mr. Aregbesola issued an immediate public reaction following the verdict, observers expect both parties to either comply with the financial sanction or file an appeal. The outcome is likely to influence future conduct in intra-party disputes and could affect preparations for electoral activities if leadership controversies persist.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Pulse Nigeria Website Shows ‘Page Not Found’ Error, Users Advised to Return Home
Visitors encounter 404 error on news platform; site encourages users to access latest updates via homepage and social media
Visitors encounter 404 error on news platform; site encourages users to access latest updates via homepage and social media
Pulse Nigeria’s website displayed a ‘404 Page Not Found’ error message on Thursday, redirecting visitors from an outdated link and urging them to return to the main homepage for current news content. The incident affected users attempting to access specific articles, with the platform assuring that other sections of the site remained operational.
The error page informed users that the link they followed may be outdated, but emphasised that the rest of Pulse Nigeria’s news content is still accessible. A prominent prompt invited readers to navigate back to the homepage and continue engaging with the latest stories.
Pulse Nigeria also highlighted its official presence across several social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and WhatsApp. These channels were listed as alternative sources for real-time news updates and multimedia content.
Technical issues resulting in 404 errors are not uncommon among digital publishers in Nigeria. Such occurrences often stem from expired or broken URLs, especially when articles are updated or archived. Pulse Nigeria did not issue a separate statement regarding the incident as at press time.
Users are advised to use verified links from the homepage or official social media handles when seeking specific information or headlines. The news platform continues to provide breaking news and analysis on national events through its digital channels.
