Fears of job losses rise after Lagos announces measure to ban water in sachets and single-use plastics

• Lagos residents raise concerns about job losses and economic disruption due to proposed ban on single-use plastics and water sachets set for January 2025
• Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, highlights the environmental need for the ban while emphasizing collaboration with the private sector for sustainable alternatives
• Stakeholders including water sellers call on government for reconsideration and proper education on waste management

Lagos residents are sounding the alarm over the state government’s proposed ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) and water sachets, citing fears of job losses and economic disruption.

During a stakeholder workshop, Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, announced that the ban would come into force in January 2025.

The policy aims to manage plastic waste sustainably, while safeguarding public health and the environment.

Advocacy for Lagos ban on sachet water amid widespread concerns over job losses

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Wahab emphasized that Styrofoam and SUPs take centuries to degrade, making the ban crucial for environmental protection.

The state government is collaborating with private sector organizations to develop alternatives to SUPs and support research into new technological solutions.

However, the proposed ban has caused significant concern among stakeholders, especially in the manufacturing and retail sectors, where fears of job losses and economic instability are widespread.

Akinyemi Bolaji, sales manager at Aremson Water Ltd., expressed his concerns, stating: “I am more specific about employment. The ban will not benefit anyone and will cause thousands of people to lose their source of livelihood.”

He questioned the government’s efforts to provide clean water and called for alternative measures to solve recycling problems.

Bolaji also urged the government to educate the public on proper waste disposal, noting: “Eradicating all these factories that produce SUPs is not the best way. It is a solution in one aspect and dangerous in another.”

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In light of these concerns, Lagos residents are calling on the state government to reconsider the proposed ban and find a balanced approach that protects both the environment and livelihoods.

Lagos will ban pure water and bottled water

About that, Legitimate.ng previously reported that the Lagos state government has announced that it will enforce a ban on sachet water, popularly called pure water, from January 2025.

The state also said it would ban the circulation of single-use plastics, such as plastic bottles.

The move follows the government’s ban on the use of Styrofoam in early January in response to growing environmental threats from plastic waste.

Source: Legit.ng