Lagos Government Faces Backlash: Rhodes-Vivour Disapproves Of Single-Use Plastics Ban

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the ban known in a statement via his X handle on Sunday.

But in a post via his official X handle on Monday, Rhodes-Vivour described the ban as sudden and thoughtless, adding that the decision of the state government was reactive and not proactive.

He stated that while addressing environmental concerns is important, the ban could severely impact manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers.

Rhodes-Vivour said the decision did not consider investments made in the plastics value chain or potential economic implications.

He asserted that the sudden implementation of the ban without a well-thought-out alternative policy was deeply troubling.

He wrote, “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.

“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?”

Rhodes-Vivour asserted that the move shows a lack of stakeholder engagement and policy discipline by the state government.

He proposed alternative policy measures like public education, incentives for eco-friendly alternatives, improved recycling and extended producer responsibility.

The LP chieftain also advocated a more sustainable, phased approach instead of an immediate blanket ban.

He added: “Rather than an immediate ban, we propose the following alternative policy measures.

“Education and Awareness Programmes. 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) as that will provide the needed incentive for citizens to properly dispose of these plastics and earn a tangible amount.

“Extended Producer Responsibility 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.

“I urge the Lagos state government and the reactionary commissioner of the environment to reconsider the abrupt ban and collaborate with stakeholders to develop a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to address the issue of plastic pollution in Lagos State.