Follow Us on Google
By Merit Ibe [email protected]
Manufacturers in Lagos are wailing over what they described as the sudden ban on single-use plastic in the state, saying it will have far-reaching repercurssions on their operations, especially in massive job and financial losses.
The Commissioner for Environment of Lagos State, Tokunbo Wahab recently announced the ban on styrofoam boxes and single-use plastics.
Wahab said the only moratorium which the state is willing to offer all producers and distributors of Styrofoam was to delay the commencement of enforcement of the ban by three weeks.
“Three weeks is enough time for the products already in the state to be exhausted if indeed the stockists are committed.”
However, the manufacturers applauded the step, which took many Lagosians by surprise, pointing out that the government should have excluded the possibility of recycling styrofoam products before banning their production and use.
Frank Onyebu, ex-chair of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), said the government should have given the manufacturers of these products an appreciable timeframe within which to come up with proposals to eradicate the environmental pollution issues associated with their production.
“I’m sure that they would be able to come up with something, failing which the government would then be justified to ban the items.
“Nigerians are entrepreneurial and would pounce on the opportunity if it’s created.”
The manufacturer, who advised the government to revisit the issue, pointed out that government should have engaged the stakeholders in a constructive dialogue before proceeding with the ban.
“The ban, if allowed to proceed, would lead to heavy losses for the manufacturers and loss of employment for their employees.
“My take on prohibition generally is that the government should always consult with stakeholders before coming up with such policy measures.
“On single use plastic, I strongly feel that the government should have called a stakeholders meeting where the proposal would have been tabled for extensive discussion. The objective would be to seek an acceptable solution.
“I share the concerns of government about the environmental impact of unregulated plastic production and use. I also know that there’s a lot of recycling going on in the country right now. I am involved in plastic production and recycling and I can tell you that we cannot get enough of some of the plastic waste products for our recycling plant. I can tell you without fear of contradiction that you can’t find any waste polypropylene products lying down anywhere because scavengers pick them all up. I’m talking about products like buckets, basins and so forth.”
A dealer in bottled water, Isaac Fadipe, said the ban was a right decision to rid the state of waste, but canvassed that affordable alternatives be provided while production and use of sustainable materials should be encouraged.
“For example, potable water needs to be provided by the government at accessible and affordable prices as an alternative to sachet and plastic bottled water”, he said.
Fadipe also called for a stakeholder engagement for monitoring and advocacy, adding that it is important to carry along the private and informal sectors which drive the single-use plastics value chain.
“Incentives to promote the adherence to this ban are important too.”
