Many residents of Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, were caught off guard when the state Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, announced that styrofoam packets and single-use plastics would be banned ‘with immediate effect’.
Development Diaries reports that the effect of this announcement is being felt, especially for individuals who make their living in the informal sector.
In his reaction, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, said that the ban on some plastic materials was inevitable, even as he urged citizens to be ready for ‘wholistic circular management’ of waste.
While this is commendable, the shift towards more sustainable practices requires a collaborative effort from government bodies, businesses, and citizens alike.
Though the decision is vital to address environmental concerns, the ‘abrupt’ ban would harm producers, distributors, and retailers.
Many business owners in the informal sector are already decrying the loss they would accrue from this policy. A social media user recently claimed that another business owner developed a stroke after hearing the news from the Lagos State government.
There are key measures the government must take following a plastic ban.
In the wake of a plastic ban for environmental safety, the Lagos State government has to play a proactive role in supporting local business owners affected by this transition.
It is not enough to announce the ban on styrofoam and plastic.
First, financial assistance programmes should be established to help businesses adapt to sustainable alternatives. Grants, low-interest loans, and subsidies can be provided to facilitate the acquisition of eco-friendly packaging materials and the implementation of sustainable practices.
Also, the government can invest in research and development initiatives to spur innovation in packaging solutions, collaborating with local businesses to create and adopt more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Additionally, the government should prioritise educational campaigns to raise awareness about the environmental impacts of plastic and promote the benefits of sustainable practices.
Development Diaries calls on the Lagos State environment commissioner to adopt financial support and educational efforts to assist business owners during the transition away from plastic.
Photo source: Meanwell Packaging
