A flurry of reactions has greeted the announcement on Sunday, January 21, 2024, by the Lagos State Government that an immediate ban has been placed on the use of styrofoam and single-use plastics.
Welcoming the development, respondents commended the state government for what looks like a daring decision, even though they charged the authorities on an effective implementation plan.
Joseph Onoja, Director General of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), said: “It is a welcome development that the Lagos State Government is banning single-use plastics and Styrofoam, and I commend the Commissioner for this very bold and laudable steps. That is the first step.
“The second step is enforcement, and they should be ready to meet stiff resistance from people whose livelihoods are affected and would want to fight back, because they will only look at it from the economics point of view and not from the environmental hazard point of view. I’m fully in support of the ban. I will be glad to see how the enforcement will take place.
“And as Lagos is very strategic to the nation, if Lagos can enforce it, then enforcing it nationally will have gone halfway into the process because Lagos would have set the pace, and the Federal Government is just to copy the blueprint and then move on from there. I’m really hoping that we will be able to see that happening. We should be able to have alternatives to this styrofoam that has become a menace to us. The ban will contribute significantly to the reduction of waste and improve waste management. Styrofoam and other single-use plastics make up 75% to 90% of wastes disposed.
“There is a need for us to continue to see how it is implemented in such a way that this has come to stay and not a political statement or a witch-hunt. I hope the Federal Government will take the template from Lagos and take the bold step to ban single-use plastics and fully, because this will save our environment, especially our aquatic system.”
Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, applauded the ban, saying that he expects the National Assembly in Abija to take a similar step to ban the use of single-use plastics and styrofoam nation-wide.
“If there is lethargy in making the national move, I strongly recommend that other states should emulate Lagos State,” he submitted, adding that the level of plastic pollution in Nigeria is very high and the cities are blighted by the scourge.
“We see such wastes in drainages, streets and at spots on our highways where there are checkpoints or hawkers,” Bassey lamented, adding that the ban will encourage a shift in the culture of disposal of wastes haphazardly, “including as we see with soft drinks and water sold in plastics”.
His words: “Our people need to learn to use durable packages or bags. We also need to understand that plastics are harmful to our biodiversity.
“It is equally harmful to see how single use plastics are used to wrap or cover hot foods in restaurants. These are toxic and constitute health hazards. This habit should be halted across the nation.”
Executive Director, Bridge That Gap initiative, Gloria Bulus, said it is a remarkable and commendable decision by the Lagos State Government, adding that the government has shown its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.
“Styrofoam and single-use plastics are a major source of pollution and waste, and their elimination will positively impact the health and well-being of the people and the ecosystem.
“I think this is a step in the right direction, as it will help to reduce the amount of waste generated and disposed in the state, which is one of the most populous and urbanised in the country. It will also encourage the adoption of more eco-friendly alternatives, such as reusable or biodegradable materials, which will support the circular economy and green growth.
“However, this ban alone is insufficient to address the inherent waste management challenges in the state and other parts of the country. There is still a need for more public awareness and education on the importance of proper waste disposal and recycling, as well as adequate infrastructure and enforcement to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Moreover, there is a need for a holistic and integrated approach to waste management that involves all stakeholders, including the government, the private sector, civil society, and the citizens.
“I feel that this ban can be effectively and sustainably implemented if there is a strong political will from the government, as well as active participation and cooperation from the public. There should also be incentives and support for businesses and individuals who adopt eco-friendly practices, as well as penalties and sanctions for those who violate the rules. Furthermore, there should be continuous monitoring and evaluation of the policy outcomes and impacts, as well as feedback mechanisms to allow for adjustments and improvements.
“Considering this development, I suggest that the Federal Government should follow suit and enact a similar ban on styrofoam and single-use plastics at the national level, as well as provide guidance and assistance to other states that want to implement such policies. The Federal Government should also coordinate with other regional and international partners to promote global action on plastic pollution and climate change, which are interrelated and urgent issues that require collective efforts.”
Executive Secretary, HEDA Resource Centre, Sulaimon Arigbabu, commended that state for “taking this bold and positive decision”, saying that the decision should have come a long time ago.
“I am happy that Lagos, as usual, is setting the pace in addressing the problem of single use plastics, especially styrofoam plates. This action in Lagos will hopefully inspire and guide other states in the federation to place the same ban. Whereas Lagos accounts for a huge percentage of plastic waste generated, it is critical though, that other states of the Federation should adopt same, lest the full effect and benefit of this policy may not be felt.
“The fact is that Lagos is a drain to the Lagoon for waters coming from the hinterland, which could transport this plastic waste to Lagos if not similarly banned in other states. It is a truism that the consequences of environmental degradation are not limited by the artif8cial border we humans create. Therefore, an action such as this would be most effective if done on a country-wide scale.
On effectively and sustainably implementing the decision, Arigbabu said: “Now, it is one thing to make this policy, but an entirely kettle of fish when it comes to implementing it and sustaining the gains. Lagos State Government should take the implementation of this policy very seriously, and they should anticipate massive pushback from the producers, distributors, and ignorant consumers of this single use plastics.
“First, we need to see the content of this policy and what exactly it covers so that there won’t be any ambiguity. Then, the modus for enforcement needs to be made clear and must be inclusive of all stakeholders including Local government, residents’ associations, market associations, plastic manufacturers, LAWMA, waste pickers, recyclers, NGOs, and the media, among others.
“Very importantly, the enforcement should be given a moratorium to enable the information to go round and for distributors and retailers to enter a dialogue with producers and government to see how to deal with the stock they have at hand.
Most importantly, the Lagos State Government must invest a lot more in educating and enlightening the public on this policy so as to get Lagosians to have a buy-in, without which success is impossible.
“I will also urge Lagos State to try and carry (encourage) Ogun and Oyo states to adopt the same, as this will reduce the burden and provide some buffer for Lagos. The state should also declare a concerted programme to clean up the existing plastic waste in our drains and streets and water bodies. This is required to enable a fresh start, hopefully.
Arigbabu underlined the need for the Federal Government support the initiative by providing Lagos with the necessary assistance and incentives to succeed.
“The Federal Government should also then set a date to adopt this policy on a national scale. The Federal Government must equally invest substantially in behavioural change across the country, so that people coming from other parts of the country can easily fit into this proper way of behaviour and reduce getting into conflict with Lagos State authorities.
“Nigeria should also use her influence in Africa and beyond to champion the fight against the menace of single use plastic. The Federal Government should also make use of existing policies such as extended producer pay principles to address plastic pollution.”
Yacoob Abiodun, urban planner and former Secretary, National Housing Policy Council, says Lagos officials “made the right decision because the non-biodegradable items are toxic to the Lagos environment and have health risks to the residents.”
He continues: “The ban is even coming too late if you consider the damages already done to the mega city environment. However, the Lagos State Government has a Herculean task in ensuring the enforcement of the ban without compromise by the officials who are to enforce the ban. The implementation of regulations is always the bane in our clime.
“I hope that, this time around, the enforcement of the band will be effectively and religiously enforced. At the Federal Government level, the National Assembly should urgently pass a law to ban the use of styrofoam and single-use plastics throughout the country to create a balance. It will complement the laudable step taken by the LASG to save our environment from harmful pollutants.”
Executive Director, SRADev Nigeria, Leslie Adogame, said that Nigeria ought to have long gone beyond this point.
His words: “This is long overdue. We shouldn’t be at this point at this time and we should have gone beyond this stage. Compared to some other countries in Africa, when you look at Nigeria as a giant of Africa among other countries, we are far behind in regulating against single-use plastic. Many other developing countries have gone beyond this stage of banning single-use plastic, and that was our message when we started this campaign in 2019 that Nigeria cannot afford to continue to promote single-use plastic.
“Why? Because single-use plastics are critically environmental nuisance, they cause a lot of havoc in the environment, they lack second hand value, you cannot reuse them, they are not recyclable, and they have no economic value. So, once you, the end-user, finishes with it, it goes into the environment because it has no second-hand value. I work with waste pickers, and over the years, I’ve never heard or seen a waste picker or any recycler who collects or recycles single-use plastics.
“They are single use plastics, for example, carriage bags, Styrofoam, plastic cutlery and cups because they do not have a second-hand value. Single-use plastics are more problematic in terms of the fact that they are responsible for blocking drains, and contain very hazardous chemicals that are released into the environment when burnt. And, in terms of marine environment and pollution, these are the categories of plastics that easily find their way as they are washed down from the municipal drains to the oceans, and they produce microplastics.
“So, in a nutshell, it’s a welcome order, we are happy that finally we have a government that is trying to understand and put environment and public health ahead of economy and profit. Single-use plastic in 2024 is not acceptable for a country like Nigeria and for that matter Lagos State that we call a Centre of Excellence to continue to promote single-use plastic.
“Lagos is a megacity and there are characteristics and qualifications to attain that status, and environmental management is one of those qualities that makes you qualified. It is a good step in the right direction, we stand totally behind the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.”
But, Titilope Akosa, Executive Director, Centre for 21st Century Issues, has described the timing of the styrofoam ban in Lagos State as inappropriate.
“While it is essential to address plastic waste, including styrofoam, to safeguard the environment and public health, it is equally important to consult with the citizens and provide a transition timeline towards sustainable alternatives. A complete ban on styrofoam without proper consultation will undoubtedly impact the livelihoods of producers and sellers in Lagos State,” she submitted.
According to her, it is crucial for the ministry to reconsider its approach and ensure the necessary steps are taken before implementing the ban on styrofoam use.
