Rhodes-Vivour Berates Lagos Govt Over Ban On ‘Takeaway Packs’, Other Single Use Plastics

The 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has berated the state government for banning the use of styrofoams (takeaway packs) and other single-use plastics in the state.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, had on Sunday announced the ban on the use and distribution of styrofoam and other single-use plastics in the state with immediate effect.

Wahab stated that the decision was taken as a result of the menace single-use plastics, especially the non-biodegradable styrofoam, were causing on the environment.

Consequently, the commissioner directed the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI, to immediately commence the implementation of the ban.

But reacting to the ban on Monday, Rhodes-Vivour described the decision as hasty, adding that the state did not take into consideration the economic implications of the ban.

“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.l,” Rhodes-Vivour said in a statement.

“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 lacks the temperament to accommodate stakeholder engagements and the discipline to create meaningful policies to address critical issues without destroying the livelihood of citizens.

“I believe that a more sustainable and phased-out approach should be adopted to address the environmental challenges posed by single-use plastics.”

As part of alternative policy measures, he called on the state government to launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the environmental impact of single-use plastics and encourage responsible consumption and disposal.

The politician asked the state to provide incentives and support for businesses to transition to environmentally friendly alternatives such as biodegradable materials and reusable packaging as well as invest in recycling infrastructure.

He also called for collaboration with stakeholders, including manufacturers, retailers, environmental experts, and community representatives, to develop a holistic and inclusive strategy.

“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,” Rhodes-Vivour added.