The Labour Party’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate, GBADEBO RHODES-VIVOUR, has criticised the Lagos State government’s decision to ban single-use plastics and Styrofoam packs, calling it a “hasty, impulsive decision” devoid of critical policymaking.

According to RHODES-VIVOUR, the ban lacks a well-thought-out alternative and risks devastating the livelihoods of thousands of Lagosians.

He also questioned whether the government had considered the thousands of retailers and small business owners whose income is dependent on these products and who may face job losses and business closures. 

He accused the current administration of lacking the temperament to accommodate stakeholder engagements and the discipline to create meaningful policies.

He, however, presented an alternative approach, advocating for a phased-out strategy with a focus on education awareness programmes, incentives for alternatives, recycling infrastructure, regulating the pricing of plastic products, extended producer responsibility and stakeholder collaboration.