The Labour Party candidate for the Lagos governorship election in 2023, Gdadebo Rhodes-Vivour, on Monday, criticised the Lagos State government for its ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam.

The Lagos state government, on Sunday, banned the production, sale, use and distribution of single-use plastics and styrofoam packs, citing their negative impacts on the environment.

Reacting to the development in a press statement on X, Mr Rhodes-Vivour said although it is essential to address environmental issues, the sudden ban was problematic. 

“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,” said Mr Rhodes-Vivour.

He stated that the government failed to consider the investments of the manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers who will, due to the ban, undergo major economic difficulties.

“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?” he stated.

According to him, the All Progressives Congress-led administration lacks the temperament to accommodate stakeholder engagements and the discipline to formulate impactful policies without jeopardising the livelihood of the citizens.

He proffered more sustainable approaches to tackling the environmental challenges of single-use plastics, highlighting measures such as education and awareness programmes to inform citizens about their dangers.

Also, the politician suggested that the government provides incentives for businesses to effectively transition to environmentally friendly alternatives like reusable packaging and biodegradable materials and invest in recycling infrastructure.

Mr Rhodes-Viviour also recommended the regulation of plastic bottle prices by ensuring that they are sold between N5 to N10 per bottle, implementation of extended producer responsibility policies and collaboration with stakeholders.

He added, “Therefore, 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.”