The 2023 governorship candidate for the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has faulted the Lagos State Government’s sudden ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam packs.
On Sunday, the Lagos State Government banned the use and distribution of single-use plastics and Styrofoam packs in the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab announced the ban in a statement released on Sunday by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.
However, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour via a post on X on Monday disclosed that while addressing environmental concerns is important, the ‘abrupt’ 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.
Rhodes-Vivour 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?”
According to him, the move shows a lack of stakeholder engagement and policy discipline by the state government.
Rhodes-Vivour proposed alternative policy measures like public education, incentives for eco-friendly alternatives, improved recycling and extended producer responsibility.
