By Ken Afor
The U.S.-Nigeria Trade Council USA has criticized the abrupt ban on Styrofoam and other single-use plastics by the Lagos State Government, citing potential negative economic impact and unemployment concerns in the state.
This trails the state government’s announcement on Sunday, banning the use and distribution of styrofoam and other single-use plastics across the state.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the decision was made by the state government due to the adverse effects of the continuous use of single plastics, especially the non-biodegradable Styrofoam, on the environment.
“Following the menace which single-use plastics especially non-biodegradable Styrofoam are causing on the environment, the Lagos State government through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources is hereby announcing a ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics in the State with immediate effect,” according to Wahab.
Reacting to the ban, the U.S.-Nigeria Trade Council USA, said although, it recognizes the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, however, the abrupt prohibition of single-use plastics, without a gradual implementation and comprehensive waste management strategies, could potentially have detrimental impacts on Nigeria’s economy and employment prospects.
“While we recognizes the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, the abrupt prohibition of single-use plastics without a phased approach and comprehensive waste management strategies will have significant adverse effects on the economy and employment opportunities in Nigeria.
“We firmly believe that this ban will have a detrimental effects on Lagos State economy and exacerbate the unemployment crisis. We urge the government to reconsider this decision and take into account alternative solutions that promote entrepreneurship, sustainable consumption, and waste management.
The Council emphasized the economic consequences, stating that the prohibition will undoubtedly worsen the already concerning unemployment rate and have a detrimental effect on small-scale entrepreneurs who rely on the plastic industry for their livelihoods.
“The ban, although well-intentioned, fails to evaluate the broader economic consequences it entails. Lagos State heavily relies on plastic manufacturing and packaging industries that employ thousands of people across the state. The sudden halt in production and use of single-use plastic containers in Lagos will lead to significant job losses, further exacerbating the unemployment rate. This ban directly affects not only industry workers but also countless small-scale entrepreneurs who depend on the plastic sector for their livelihoods.
“Furthermore, from an economic standpoint, the ban imposes an enormous financial burden on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as they are forced to find alternatives or invest in costly infrastructure to comply with the regulation. This additional expenditure, coupled with the already challenging business environment, will impede growth and hinder economic development, not only in Lagos, but in Nigeria as a country.
“The U.S.-Nigeria Trade Council USA recommends a more comprehensive approach that balances environmental concerns, economic sustainability, and job creation. Rather than a sudden blanket ban, we propose the following solutions to mitigate the negative impact on both the environment and the economy, promote entrepreneurship and pave the way for a greener Nigeria,” it added.
