Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Lagos state governorship election, has condemned in totality the ban imposed by the state government on the use of styrofoam and other single-use plastics.
In a statement published on his verified X handle on Monday, Gbadebo noted that the ban ”lacks consideration for the significant investments made by manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers of these products, potentially causing severe economic implications.”
While berating the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-olu’s-led administration for allegedly failing to “accommodate stakeholder engagement,” Gbadebo noted that the ban on the products will lead to the loss of jobs and devastation to manufacturers.
The Chronicle NG reports that the Lagos State Government has imposed an absolute ban on the use and distribution of Styrofoam, sometimes known as takeaway packs, and other single-use plastics throughout the state, effective immediately.
In a statement that he personally signed on Sunday, Tokunbo Wahab, the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, made the announcement.
According to Wahab, the decision was made in response to the environmental damage caused by single-use plastics, particularly non-biodegradable Styrofoam.
Wahab stated that most drainage channels in the state are daily clogged up by Styrofoam and other plastics through their indiscriminate distribution and usage, despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains in huge amounts.
Reacting to the news of the ban, Gbadebo said, ”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? Did it think about the potential loss of jobs and the utter devastation it would bring to manufacturers?
”It has become evident that this administration and the party it represents lack the temperament to accommodate stakeholder engagements and the discipline to create meaningful policies to address critical issues without destroying the livelihood of citizens.”
Furthermore, Gbadebo noted that ”a more sustainable and phased-out approach should be adopted to address the environmental challenges posed by single-use plastics.
Rather than an immediate ban, it was proposed that education and awareness programs, such as the launch of “comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the environmental impact of single-use plastics and encourage responsible consumption and disposal,” be utilized.
He also urged the government to “provide incentives and support for businesses to transition to environmentally friendly alternatives such as biodegradable materials and reusable packaging.” On recycling and pricing, Gbadebo urged the state government to “invest in robust recycling infrastructure to facilitate the collection and proper disposal of plastic waste.
”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.
He called for the implementation of “EPR policies to hold producers accountable for the entire life cycle of their products, encouraging sustainable practices,” and the engagement of “stakeholders, including manufacturers, retailers, environmental experts, and community representatives, to develop a holistic and inclusive strategy.”
He therefore called on the state government to rescind its decision on the ban and collaborate with stakeholders.
“Therefore, I urge the Lagos state government and the reactionary commissioner of 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,” Gbadebo added.
