Lagos pushes green packaging, sustainable logistics in e-commerce

The Lagos State Government has urged businesses to embrace environmentally sustainable e-commerce practices, saying eco-friendly packaging and efficient logistics are becoming essential for competitiveness, economic growth and long-term environmental protection.

The call was made last week at the third edition of E-COMAGIBUS 2026 held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, where government officials, business leaders and industry stakeholders examined strategies for building a more sustainable digital economy under the theme, “Eco-Friendly Packaging and Sustainable Logistics in E-Commerce.”

Speaking at the conference, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said the rapid growth of e-commerce had created new opportunities for businesses but also imposed a greater responsibility to minimise environmental impacts.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Babatunde Onigbanjo, the commissioner described the event as a platform for developing practical solutions that would align commercial expansion with environmental sustainability.

“The rapid expansion of e-commerce presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, job creation and enterprise development, but it also places greater responsibility on businesses to adopt sustainable methods of packaging, transportation and product delivery,” she said.

She added that the convenience offered by digital commerce “must not come at the expense of environmental sustainability,” stressing that responsible production, eco-friendly packaging and efficient logistics had become indispensable elements of modern business operations.

According to her, Lagos has maintained its position as Nigeria’s commercial hub through deliberate investments in infrastructure, technology, and innovation, as well as policies that support businesses under the state’s THEMES+ development agenda.

In his address, Onigbanjo, whose remarks were delivered by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Hauwa Adeeyo, said the conference reflected the growing urgency for governments, businesses and consumers to embrace environmentally responsible practices as online commerce continues to expand.

He noted that the country’s growing digital economy presents opportunities to improve packaging, warehousing, transportation and last-mile delivery, while requiring greater attention to resource efficiency and environmental protection.

“The growth of Nigeria’s digital economy presents significant opportunities for innovation in packaging, transportation, warehousing and last-mile delivery, while also demanding greater attention to environmental sustainability and resource efficiency,” he said.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Circular Economy, Titilayo Oshodi, said achieving sustainable economic growth would require stronger collaboration between government, private-sector operators and development partners.

She urged stakeholders to invest in partnerships capable of delivering lasting economic and environmental benefits.

Director of the ministry’s Agribusiness Support Unit, Muminat Osiefa-Atitebi, said the conference was organised to encourage innovation, promote green financing, strengthen logistics systems and expand support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

According to her, the initiative is expected to improve productivity, reduce environmental impact, create employment opportunities and position Lagos as a leading model for sustainable commerce and green economic development in Africa.