Marketing professionals have thrown their weight behind the Lagos State ban on single-use plastics (SUPs), asserting that environmental sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive.
In interviews with The PUNCH, top industry voices dismissed fears that the ban would cripple businesses. Instead, they urged firms to embrace a shift in mindset and seize sustainability as a long-term strategic advantage.
Tony Agenmonmen, former President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), said the private sector must stop viewing environmental policies as a threat.
“I don’t think making a profit and being sustainable or environment-friendly are in conflict. It’s just a reorientation,” he said. “Yes, you can dump plastics all over and make a profit today. But long-term, that’s not sustainable for your company or society.”
He warned that continued environmental degradation would eventually hurt the same businesses resisting change, pointing to blocked drainages and public health challenges as hidden costs.
“Eventually, the cost of clearing these gutters will affect taxes imposed on companies and individuals. It’s a cycle,” Agenmonmen added.
Despite resistance from groups like the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, who argue the ban could trigger job losses, marketing experts believe it’s time to act.
“The discussion around single-use plastics in Lagos has been ongoing for a while. I think the government has given enough sensitisation and enough time,” Agenmonmen said. “The government should go full steam in implementing it.”
Registrar of NIMN, Patience Sado, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the role of marketers in repositioning affected businesses.
“When some businesses complain that the ban will impact profitability, marketers should be asking: What strategy can we adopt now? How do we overcome this hit and boost profits?” she stated.
She advised companies to integrate sustainability into their operations, noting that eco-conscious brands tend to earn stronger customer loyalty and perform better in the long run.
“By actively participating in environmental protection, businesses in Nigeria not only contribute to national development but also to their operations,” Sado said.
She urged firms to not only meet national environmental standards but aim for international benchmarks through initiatives like reforestation and waste reduction.
Marketing leaders now see the Lagos plastic ban not as a business threat, but as a wake-up call for Nigerian companies to align with global environmental priorities — before it’s too late.
