Lagos State recently announced a ban on single-use plastics. Concerns have risen over what this means for daily life, the environment, and the economy. To shed light on the issue, Kayode Taiwo, a researcher and an expert in sustainable food systems, whose work focuses on converting food and agricultural waste into biodegradable materials.
e shares insights on the ban, available alternatives, and the future of eco-friendly innovation in Nigeria.
Lagos State has just announced a ban on single-use plastics. As a scientist in this field, what do you think this means for the future of the state?
The recent ban on single-use plastics in Lagos State is a huge step toward a cleaner and more sustainable future. For years, plastic pollution has clogged the drainage systems, worsened flooding, and found its way into our food and water. By enforcing this ban, Lagos is not just tackling waste; it is addressing public health, climate resilience, and the overall livability of the city. At the same time, this move opens opportunities for innovation. It challenges businesses, scientists like me, and entrepreneurs to create biodegradable packaging, reusable systems, and sustainable alternatives. That shift would generate new industries, jobs, and investments, positioning Lagos as a hub for green innovation in Africa. Importantly, this is also about changing behaviour. For too long, plastics have encouraged a throwaway culture. With the right education, affordable alternatives, and strong enforcement, this ban can push residents and businesses toward more responsible consumption and waste practices. If Lagos succeeds, it will not only improve its own environment but also set an example for other African cities facing similar crises.
Many people are worried about what alternatives they can use instead of plastic. What solutions are available right now?
It is normal for people to be concerned, but the good news is that several solutions already exist or are being created. For example, I am working on turning food waste into valuable raw materials for bioplastics. Instead of treating waste streams as a disposal problem, we can use them as feedstocks to produce precursor compounds, which can form the building blocks of sustainable packaging materials that mimic the strength and flexibility of conventional plastics; however, they are biodegradable. This is the kind of circular solution that Lagos, and indeed the world, needs at this time, which can help in closing the loop between food production, waste management, and sustainable packaging.
Some critics say biodegradable products are too expensive compared to plastics. How do you respond to that concern?
That’s true, maybe in the short term, but not in long term, new technologies always look expensive and impossible at the initial stage but as those technologies get adapted into everyday lives, it will become cheaper. Aside from the economic side, when should also consider environmental costs such as cleaning up drainage systems, treating polluted water, and managing health problems linked to microplastics. If we invest in scaling up local production of bio-based packaging, costs will drop significantly. In fact, using locally available agricultural waste makes the system more affordable and supports farmers. In my research we are applying life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis to see how we can optimise these technologies to make less expensive and environmentally friendly.
Beyond packaging, how else can Lagos tackle the waste challenge?
Packaging is only one piece of the puzzle. To truly solve Lagos’ waste challenge, we need a multi-pronged approach. First, education is critical. Citizens need to understand the impact of their choices and be encouraged to adopt reusables, whether that’s shopping bags, water bottles, or food containers. Behavior change is often the hardest part, but it’s also the most powerful. Second, Lagos must invest in proper recycling and composting infrastructure. Biodegradable products only fulfill their potential if we have systems that can process them efficiently. Composting facilities, material recovery plants, and community collection systems will ensure that waste is managed, not just shifted from one form to another.
Finally, research and innovation should be at the heart of the strategy. Lagos has incredible scientific talent and entrepreneurial energy. Supporting local scientists and startups working on biobased materials, waste-to-energy systems, and circular economy models will not only tackle waste but also create jobs and position Lagos as a leader in sustainable development. In short, tackling waste requires a cultural shift, strong infrastructure, smart policies, and homegrown innovation. If these come together, Lagos can transform from a city overwhelmed by waste to one that thrives on sustainability.
Should the government provide subsidies or incentives for businesses to adopt biodegradable alternatives?
Absolutely. Transitioning away from single-use plastics does come with upfront costs, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. That’s why government support is essential. Subsidies, low-interest loans, and tax breaks can ease the financial burden and encourage businesses to switch quickly to biodegradable alternatives. If we leave companies to bear the full cost alone, many will resist change or simply pass the costs on to consumers. But with smart incentives, government can accelerate adoption, make sustainable packaging more affordable, and create a level playing field where innovation thrives. In the long run, these policies will not only reduce plastic pollution but also stimulate new industries and green jobs to make the investment worthwhile for both the economy and the environment.
What lessons can Lagos learn from countries or cities that have already banned plastics?
There are important lessons Lagos can learn from other countries and cities that have already banned plastics. Success usually comes when bans are rolled out gradually, giving people time to adjust, and when affordable alternatives are readily available. Enforcement must also be consistent; otherwise, the policy risks being ignored. Rwanda is a standout example on the continent. Kigali is now considered one of the cleanest cities in Africa because the government paired strict enforcement with strong community engagement. Citizens were not only told what not to do, they were shown the benefits of change and given alternatives. Similarly, countries in the European Union have phased in restrictions on single-use plastics while investing heavily in recycling and composting infrastructure, making the transition smoother for businesses and consumers alike.
For Lagos, the lesson is clear: combine strong leadership with community buy-in, ensure alternatives are accessible, and back it up with the infrastructure needed to manage waste responsibly. With those elements in place, Lagos can replicate and even surpass these success stories.
Finally, what role can young innovators and researchers play in this transition?
Young researchers are critical. We bring fresh ideas, scientific rigour, and passion for sustainability. For instance, my own research demonstrates that agro-wastes can be converted into valuable products, including biodegradable plastics. If given the right support, funding, incubation hubs, and partnerships with industry, Nigerian youth can turn the plastic ban into an opportunity for innovation, job creation, and global leadership in green technology.