Shoppers unruffled as retailers charge for single-use plastic bags

Nigerian shoppers are indifferent as retailers begin charging for single-use plastic bags on their purchases.

Major supermarkets and retail stores across Lagos are now imposing N50 and N150 charges for carrier bags owing to the State’s Government-proposed ban on single-use plastics targeted at tackling the country’s plastic waste and worsening pollution.

BusinessDay’s findings at some retail stores and supermarkets show that shoppers were willing to pay for the charges with some coming with their plastic bags.

“The charge of N150 is not a big deal. The amount is not high and in the open market, you buy your big plastic bag for your items,” Timothy Oguntoke, a shopper, who was at a retail store in Ikeja to shop, said.

Iyileye Olawale, an accountant, who was at a shopping mall to make purchases, said “the charge for carrier bags is good as it will help encourage shoppers to bring their bags.”

“I always go with my bag after I noticed that malls now charge for carrier plastic bags,” she said. “I think the scheme is to encourage people to bring their bags. That way, disposal of nylons in the environment will be curbed,” she added.

However, Seyi John, another shopper at the retail store, said an additional fee for plastic bags is unnecessary.

“I had heard about it before going to the mall, so I went prepared with my bag. However, I strongly believe that paper bags should be introduced instead of the charges,” he noted.

According to a United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) report, Nigeria generates over 32 million tons of waste annually with plastic accounting for 2.5 million tons.

The country is among the top 20 nations that contribute 83% of the total volume of land-based plastic waste that ends up in the oceans.

A World Bank report estimates that 0.51 kilogrammes of waste is generated daily by each Nigerian, which is forecasted to rise to 107 million tonnes by 2050 – a development that presents both a threat and an opportunity.

Managing waste, from collection and transportation to disposal, is a major challenge for Lagos, which accounts for a large proportion of Nigeria’s waste.

The population of Lagos State, urbanisation, consumption patterns and the scale of economic activity work together to increase waste generation.

Read also: Table water producers back Lagos ban on single-use plastics

Environmentalists applaud move

Environmentalists have welcomed the development, saying it has recorded huge success in several countries that have introduced such measures.

“A huge success will be recorded but it would be a gradual process,” said Titilayo Oshodi, an environmentalist and the special adviser on climate change and circular economy to the Lagos state governor.

“Behavioural change is difficult and humans are very resistant to change, but when the process is sustained for a long period, there is going to be an impact,” she said.

Desmond Majekodunmi, an environmentalist, applauded the initiative by retailers, noting “it will help reduce consumer plastic bag use.”

“With time, we will begin seeing a reduction in the use of single plastic bags owing to the initiative by retailers,” he added.

Opeyemi Elujulo, co-executive director of Care About Climate, welcomed the initiative. However, he said stiffer measures to control plastic solution should be enforced.

“It will only have a minimal impact in reducing single-use plastic bags littering the streets or heading to the landfill”, he said..

“Outright ban is the only solution to our waste problem,” he added, calling on retailers to switch to paper bags instead of introducing payments on single-plastic bags.”

Experts say the shift by retailers from single-use plastics would necessitate the exploration and adoption of sustainable alternatives.

“Bio-based plastics, derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, offer a promising avenue,” said Segun Ajayi, president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria in a September 2024 note.

“These materials decompose more rapidly and have a reduced environmental impact compared to traditional plastics.

“A parallel strategy involves promoting reusable products. Cloth bags, metal straws, and glass containers can effectively replace many single-use plastic items,” he said.