By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
The Oyo State House of Assembly has reiterated its commitment to fostering a cleaner and more sustainable environment, declaring that the proposed Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Bill, 2026, is a pivotal step toward securing the state’s ecological future.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Water Resources, and Ecology, Hon. Olorunpoto Cephas Rahaman, made this known during a public hearing on the bill held on Wednesday at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Addressing the assembly of stakeholders, Hon. Rahaman explained that the proposed legislation seeks to establish a balanced framework that encourages responsible production and consumption while strengthening waste management practices.
“We are confronted with blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate waste disposal, flooding, and environmental degradation,” Rahaman stated. “As policymakers, we have a responsibility not only to respond to present realities but also to anticipate future challenges and proffer solutions.”
Addressing fears within the business community, the lawmaker emphasized that the bill is not a punitive measure against industry. “This bill is not anti-business. It is not intended to shut down industries, eliminate jobs, or discourage investment. Rather, it seeks to provide a framework through which government, industry, environmental experts, and the public can collectively address the environmental and public health challenges associated with single-use plastics while supporting innovation and economic growth.”
He acknowledged the economic contributions of manufacturers and traders but stressed that the House is duty-bound to enact laws that are practical, enforceable, and beneficial to the general populace.
He noted that while plastics are useful in sectors like healthcare and agriculture, their improper disposal leads to severe environmental hazards, such as persistent blockage of waterways and degradation of farmland.
Also contributing to the discourse, the Oyo State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, urged stakeholders to prioritize long-term environmental health over immediate commercial gains, noting that land degradation caused by plastic pollution poses a significant threat to future generations.
Representatives from the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority and the Ministry of Justice voiced support for the bill but advised the legislature to ensure that provisions remain within constitutional boundaries to facilitate effective enforcement.
However, the session also highlighted concerns from the private sector. Representatives from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Association of Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP) advocated for a more cautious, evidence-based approach.
The groups warned that an abrupt prohibition could lead to widespread job losses and significant economic disruption.
They argued that affordable, practical substitutes for essential items like sachet water are not yet readily available, and urged the government to focus on scaling up recycling initiatives and improving waste collection infrastructure as a more sustainable alternative to an outright ban.
Hon. Rahaman concluded the hearing by inviting further constructive and solution-oriented submissions, assuring stakeholders that every recommendation will be meticulously reviewed as the legislative process continues.
