The well-known Nigerian fast-food franchise, Chicken Republic has announced its plans to discard styrofoam containers and single-use plastics in all its outlets in the state.
This news is coming after the Lagos State government recently imposed a ban on styrofoam and single-use plastic containers in the state.
Food Concepts PLC, the parent company of Chicken Republic and other enterprises had in a statement it released on Monday, acknowledged the Lagos State Government’s decision, and recognized it as a significant move to protect the environment.
The company then went on to declare an immediate commencement of banning the use of styrofoam packs for both walk-in and online orders at its outlets in Lagos.
In addition, the company announced that there would be extra charges for plastic takeaway packs, while emphasizing its dedication to reducing the overall plastic footprint of Lagos State.
The ban on styrofoam/single-use plastic in Lagos is a good move as research has shown that this non-biodegradable product block the gutters/drainage channels in the city during the rainy season, leasing to accumulation of flood water in an area which in turn floods homes, businesses and the roads, making life hard for the average resident in the state.
While making this decision has been a long time coming, the suddenness of it is rather off-putting as there is not enough time given for the average food seller/business in the state to plan an alternative means of serving and delivering food to its clients without inconveniencing themselves and the client.
Hygiene-wise, the Chicken Republic ‘decree’ is good as it makes the customer more hands-on about the container they are being served their food in. Customers have meanwhile, criticised this proposal, stating that there were other ways to go about the ban instead of inconveniencing its customers with the hassle of coming to their outlet with a bag filled with food containers.
