The Labour Party’s (LP) gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has urged the state government to collaborate with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive and sustainable approach to address the issue of plastic pollution.
This is coming on the heels of the state government’s ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam. According to Rhodes-Vivour, the decision lacks consideration for the investments made by manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers of the products, potentially causing severe economic implications.
Rhodes-Vivour, in a statement, yesterday, titled “Plastic Ban: Hasty Impulsive Decisions Are No Substitute For Critical Policy-Making,” called for stakeholders’ engagement to address issues of environmental concerns.
He said that rather than an immediate ban, the state government should instead launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the environmental impact of single-use plastics and encourage responsible consumption and disposal.
He also urged the state government to provide incentives and support for businesses to transition to environmental-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable materials and reusable packaging.
Rhodes-Vivour, while urging the state government to invest in robust recycling infrastructure to facilitate collection and proper disposal of plastic waste and ensure that plastic bottles are priced (N5-N10 per bottle), said that this would provide the needed incentive for citizens to properly dispose these plastics and earn a tangible amount.
He also urged the government to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies to hold producers accountable for the entire life cycle of their products, encouraging sustainable practices, while engaging manufacturers, retailers, environmental experts, and community representatives, to develop a holistic and inclusive strategy.
