Plastic Bags Prohibition Bill: A developing story of crass legalism aiming to reduce plastic marine pollution in Nigeria

Mismanaged plastic land-based waste entering the marine environment is a growing problem globally. Plastic bag reduction policies have been widely adopted in Africa but are mainly punitive outright legislative bans. Limited evidence exists that document effectiveness of these legislative bans on curbing plastic marine pollution in Africa. In May 2019, the Nigerian government passed the Plastic Bags Prohibition Bill (Bill) which proposed to prohibit the use, manufacture and importation of all plastic bags used for commercial and household packaging. The Bill proposed by the Nigerian government mirrors punitive legislation prevalent elsewhere across Africa. Legislative tools used internationally were compared to the proposed Nigerian Bill and limitations identified. We highlight how the Bill can be redrafted to reflect national policy to improve ocean management. Redrafting the Bill should include proactive measures, such as market-based instruments, proper planning, coordination, implementation and enforcement before final enactment into law.