Some Lagos residents have expressed concerns over the proposed move by the state government to ban single-use plastics (SUPs) and sachet water saying that it will lead to loss of jobs and disrupt economic activities.
The residents in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday appealed to the state government to have a rethink over the proposed ban.
NAN reports that Mr Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, during a stakeholders’ workshop recently announced plans to ban SUPs and sachet water by January 2025.
Wahab said the policy is designed to establish sustainable guidelines for managing plastic waste while protecting public health and the environment.
He noted that styrofoam and single-use plastics take centuries to degrade, making the ban essential for environmental protection.
Wahab said the Lagos State Government was working closely with the private sector organisations to provide alternatives for styrofoam containers and other SUPs, while supporting research into new technological solutions.
NAN, however, reports that the proposed ban has sent shockwaves to the manufacturing and retail sectors, sparking fears of job losses, economic disruption, and uncertainty among stakeholders.
The ban has also raised concerns among water vendors who rely heavily on sachet water for their livelihood.
A Lagos resident and Sales Manager, Aremson Water Ltd., Ojo First Gate, Mr Akinyemi Bolaji, told NAN that the ban would make a lot of people unemployed.
“I am more particular about employment. The ban will not favour anyone, and it will make thousands of people lose their source of livelihood.
“On the other hand, what is the reason for the ban? People are consuming it on a daily basis, so is there any way the government is putting it out to give people clean water?
Source: Vanguard
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