In a move to combat the escalating environmental crisis in Lagos, the Lagos State Government, through the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has officially imposed a ban on the use and distribution of single-use plastics, with a particular focus on non-biodegradable Styrofoam.
The announcement, made on January 21, 2024, is seen as a signal of commitment to environmental sustainability in one of Africa’s most populous states.
Commission’s announcement came with a sense of urgency as he noted the detrimental impact of single-use plastics on the state’s environment.
“Following the menace which single-use plastics, especially non-biodegradable Styrofoam, are causing on the environment, the Lagos State government through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources is hereby announcing a ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics in the State with immediate effect,” he said.
To ensure the effective enforcement of the ban, the Lagos State government has ordered a swift crackdown on all production companies and distribution outlets within the state. This comprehensive measure aims to staunch the further proliferation of the banned products.
The commissioner said he has directed the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) to initiate immediate action in implementing the ban.
Wahab justified the government’s action by referencing existing laws and regulations, including the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulation 2009. This regulation, established under the NESREA Act, had long prohibited single-use plastics in the country but had not been rigorously enforced.
Additionally, the commissioner cited the 2017 State Environmental Management and Protection Law, which grants the state authority to prevent activities likely to harm human health or the environment.
The commissioner issued a stern warning to producers, distributors, and end-users of Styrofoam packs, urging them to take the ban seriously or face severe consequences. Heavy fines, penalties, and the possibility of premises being sealed await those who fail to comply.
Wahab stated that these entities could also be held accountable for the costs of daily cleanup efforts, which amount to tens of millions of naira.
“Our state cannot be held hostage to the economic interests of a few wealthy business owners compared to the millions of Lagosians suffering the consequences of indiscriminate dumping of single-use plastics and other types of waste,” he stated.
The commissioner stressed the importance of public cooperation in the success of this initiative. He urged residents to boycott Styrofoam packs and single-use plastics, educating them about the well-known consequences of such materials, including climate change, flooding, and diseases like cholera.
In a bid to promote sustainable practices, he encouraged the adoption of reusable food containers and water bottles, emphasizing that the convenience of single-use plastic comes at a substantial cost to society.
“The convenience of single-use plastic comes at a huge cost to the society. We must all make small sacrifices for our collective well-being,” he said.
The Lagos State Government’s bold move to ban Styrofoam and single-use plastics is believed by many to be a reflection of a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and public health. With the ban now in effect, attention turns to its enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and the willingness of stakeholders to embrace eco-friendly alternatives.
This initiative marks a pivotal step in the ongoing battle against plastic pollution, setting a precedent for other states to follow suit in synergy with the global fight for a cleaner, greener future. However, with Styrofoam and single-use plastics worth millions of naira already pushed out in the markets, the ban is expected to bring about heavy economic losses.
Labour Party’s Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Criticizes Hasty Plastic Ban Implementation
In a press statement released on Monday, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, expressed strong criticism against the abrupt implementation of the plastic ban in Lagos State. Titled “Plastic Ban: Hasty Impulsive Decisions Are No Substitute For Critical Policy Making,” the statement highlights concerns regarding the lack of a well-thought-out alternative policy and potential economic ramifications.
Rhodes-Vivour acknowledged the importance of addressing environmental issues, particularly the impact of plastic pollution in Lagos. However, he voiced deep concern over the sudden enforcement of the ban, emphasizing the absence of a comprehensive alternative policy.
“While I acknowledge the importance of addressing environmental concerns and the impact of plastic pollution in Lagos, I find the sudden implementation of this ban without a well-thought-out alternative policy deeply troubling.
“This decision lacks consideration for the significant investments made by manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers of these products, potentially causing severe economic implications,” he said.
The statement raised questions about the government’s consideration for the thousands of retailers and small business owners whose livelihoods are closely tied to the production and sale of plastic products. Rhodes-Vivour questioned whether the government had evaluated the potential loss of jobs and the overall devastation this swift ban could bring to manufacturers and the associated value chain.
“Did the government care to think about what would happen to the thousands of retailers and small business owners, from Idumota to Oshodi and Ojota, whose livelihoods are tied to this product? Did it think about the potential loss of jobs and the utter devastation it would bring to manufacturers?” he queried.
According to Rhodes-Vivour, the administration’s approach lacks the temperament to engage stakeholders and the discipline required to create meaningful policies that address critical issues without causing harm to citizens’ livelihoods.
Proposing a more sustainable and phased-out approach, Rhodes-Vivour suggested alternative policy measures to address the environmental challenges posed by single-use plastics:
Education and Awareness Programs: Launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the environmental impact of single-use plastics and encourage responsible consumption and disposal.
Incentives for Alternatives: Provide incentives and support for businesses to transition to environmentally friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable materials and reusable packaging.
Recycling Infrastructure: Invest in robust recycling infrastructure to facilitate the collection and proper disposal of plastic waste.
Regulate the Pricing of Plastic Bottles: Ensure that plastic bottles are priced (N5 – N10 per bottle) to provide citizens with the needed incentive for proper disposal while earning a tangible amount.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Implement EPR policies to hold producers accountable for the entire life cycle of their products, encouraging sustainable practices.
Collaboration with Stakeholders: Engage stakeholders, including manufacturers, retailers, environmental experts, and community representatives, to develop a holistic and inclusive strategy.
Rhodes-Vivour urged the Lagos State government and the commissioner of environment to reconsider the abrupt ban and collaborate with stakeholders to develop a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to address plastic pollution in the state.
Although the ban seems to be in synergy with global best practices on single-use plastics, the call for a measured and inclusive policy-making process aims to balance environmental concerns with the economic well-being of citizens and businesses in Lagos.
The Lagos State Government, in announcing the ban, said “Our state cannot be held hostage to the economic interests of a few wealthy business owners compared to the millions of Lagosians suffering the consequences of indiscriminate dumping of single-use plastics and other types of waste.”
