By Abdullahi Lukman
The United Nylon Association, Lagos State, has kicked off a statewide cleanup campaign aimed at supporting the government’s drive to reduce plastic pollution, beginning with a major exercise at Oyingbo Market.
The initiative comes amid the Lagos State government’s recent ban on single-use nylon bags as part of its push for a cleaner environment. During the cleanup, the association called for greater collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders to develop practical and sustainable solutions.
Speaking at Oyingbo Market, the association’s Assistant Secretary, Akin Apata, thanked the Ministry of Environment for its efforts but stressed the need for consultation and partnership.
“We want to be part of the solution. Let’s brainstorm together to find lasting answers,” he said.
Apata also pointed out the complexity of the issue, noting that many consumer products such as bread, detergents, and chocolates are packaged in single-use materials that cannot easily be replaced by thicker, reusable bags.
He announced that the cleanup campaign would extend to all 20 local councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across Lagos.
The association’s President, Funke Ogunyonbo, criticized the government’s plan to mandate the use of 40-micron bags, calling them too thick, expensive to produce, and ultimately unaffordable for consumers. She warned that the higher costs could contribute to inflation.
Meanwhile, Vice President Salamotu Aminu Godabi described the single-use nylon ban as a “great mistake” that could hurt those whose livelihoods depend on the industry.
She argued that effective waste management and public awareness campaigns would be more effective than a ban.
Godabi suggested that discarded nylon could be collected and recycled, creating a circular economy that generates jobs and transforms waste into wealth.
The United Nylon Association’s cleanup and call for cooperation underscore ongoing debates about balancing environmental goals with economic realities in Lagos State.