“Bring your plates» was Chicken Republic’s brazen response to Lagos State’s sudden ban on polystyrene foam and single-use plastics. The Nigerian fast food franchise, known for its iconic polystyrene packaging, has welcomed the new development. announcement by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab. This ban is a response to the threat that single-use plastics, particularly non-biodegradable polystyrene, pose to the environment.
This is a step in the right direction to combat environmental pollution. It also highlights the growing need for businesses to adapt to a more sustainable future.. Yet this sudden ban also raises various questions, such as the impact on businesses and consumers, as well as the effectiveness of its enforcement.
The threat of polystyrene foam
Styrofoam and other single-use plastics are a major source of plastic pollution, harming wildlife, ecosystems and human health. According to United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), at least 14 million tonnes of plastic end up in our oceans each year, where they break down into microplastics that can enter the food chain and contaminate water sources. Plastic waste also contributes to climate change because it releases greenhouse gases when it degrades or is burned.
Unfortunately, Nigeria is Africa’s second largest plastic importer, accounting for 17 percent of the continent’s total plastic consumption. In Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital and the continent’s most populous city, this poses a constant threat to the urban landscape. Plastic and polystyrene waste have been linked to flooding, reduced soil fertility and increased disease transmission. Meanwhile, the costs of daily cleaning of these products on roads and drainage canals run into tens of millions of naira. Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) spent about 6 billion naira ($14.6 million) per year for waste management, but only recovers about 40 percent of its expenses.
Across the world, countries like Rwanda, Kenya, France and Canada have taken action against the use of polystyrene and single-use plastics by implementing bans or restrictions on these products. These measures have reduced plastic consumption and waste and encouraged the use of reusable or biodegradable alternatives. This has also led to innovative alternatives.
The other side of the drainage
However, implementing such a policy is never an easy transition. In 2008, Rwanda became the first African country to impose a similar ban. The ban prohibited the manufacture, importation, use and sale of non-biodegradable plastic bags made from polyethylene. They passed a law to make it official.
However, Rwanda has recognized that tackling plastic pollution requires more than just enacting legislation. The government has launched extensive awareness campaigns to educate and involve citizens in the fight against plastic waste. By highlighting the harmful effects of plastic pollution on the environment, wildlife and public health, Rwanda has successfully fostered a sense of responsibility and ownership among its population. In 2019, legislation extended the ban to all single-use plastic products.
In Lagos, the ban came into effect the same day it was announced. The brutal ban affects more than 10,000 SMEs and more than 100,000 jobs in the plastics sector. According to U.S.-Nigeria Business Council, this imposes a huge financial burden, especially on the companies that had stockpiled these products. The gradual elimination of polystyrene foam and single-use plastics could help prevent this phenomenon. Additionally, for many Nigerians, the transition to alternatives may prove more difficult than expected. Single-use plastics and polystyrene foam are less expensive than other materials. According to a market report, the average price of plastic products in Nigeria is 30% lower than paper or metal products. In addition, many Nigerian dishes, such as the famous dish Ewa agoyin, a popular Nigerian dish made with mashed beans and spicy pepper sauce, poses a unique alternative packaging challenge. Paper, for example, has difficulty containing oil, which can affect both food quality and the consumer experience.
Nigerians also have an unfortunate reputation for having difficulty adapting to new laws. According to a goodbye In line with the Nigerian Climate Change Act 2021, Nigeria faces several challenges in the implementation and enforcement of its climate policies. Compared to previous bans such as that of commercial motorcycles in 2020, polystyrene foams and plastics are more prone to smuggling. This represents an additional obstacle. Solving this problem will require innovative strategies such as community engagement and stricter monitoring.
Regardless of how it happens, the bottom line is that the environment must be protected from the harmful effects of plastic pollution. Nigeria is engaged in the fight against climate change. In response to the Lagos ban, the federal government said the ban on certain plastic materials had become inevitable. Nigerians must prepare for holistic circular management of our waste. Although the implementation approach could have been more thoughtful, the need and adaptation of this policy cannot be overstated.
