Niger: Niamey bans plastic bags

The city of Niamey is moving to phase out plastic bags from supermarkets as part of renewed efforts to tackle persistent environmental pollution, more than a decade after national legislation first targeted the issue.

Although Niger adopted a law banning plastic bags in 2014, their use remains widespread across the capital. Twelve years later, plastic waste continues to pose a major environmental challenge, clogging drainage systems, polluting public spaces, and harming animals.

To address the situation, the delegated administrator of Niamey has issued a new municipal decree banning plastic bags in supermarkets by the end of 2026. Supermarket operators were recently received by city authorities and informed of the new enforcement measures.

A six-month transition period has been granted to allow businesses to comply. By early next year, existing stocks of non-biodegradable plastic bags must be used up or destroyed. After that, the production, importation, sale, storage, and use of these materials will be strictly prohibited within the city.

They are expected to be replaced by more sustainable alternatives, including biodegradable bags, paper packaging, baskets, and reusable containers.

Despite the 2014 national ban, plastic bags remain deeply embedded in daily commercial activity in Niamey. The consumer rights association Wadata has welcomed the new decision, describing plastic pollution as a long-standing and difficult problem to manage. According to the group, plastic bags are widely dispersed by wind, block drainage systems, and pose risks to livestock and other animals.

Under both the new municipal order and existing national law, offenders face strict penalties. These include prison sentences ranging from six months to one year for production or importation, three to six months for professional use, and fines of 100 CFA francs per unit for domestic use.