Sanwo-Olu’s plastic ban will damage livelihoods, economy: US-Nigeria Trade Council
PEOPLES GAZETTE
The U.S.-Nigeria Trade Council USA says the Lagos government’s ban on single-use plastic containers, though well-intentioned, can have adverse economic effects.
Titus Olowokere, president of the council, said this in a statement on Tuesday.
Mr Olowokere urged the government to consider the potential economic impact of the ban and work with stakeholders to implement sustainable waste management strategies that would support entrepreneurship, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Mr Olowokere said the council recognised the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability but the abrupt prohibition of single-use plastics could be problematic..
“We firmly believe that this ban will have 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,” Mr Olowokere explained.
The council said Lagos relied heavily on plastic manufacturing and packaging industries that employed thousands of people.
”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,” Mr Olowokere stressed.
He explained that the council was suggesting a more comprehensive approach that balances environmental concerns, economic sustainability, and job creation.
