“The Lagos State Government has taken a significant step towards environmental sustainability by announcing an immediate ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam packs, colloquially known as ‘takeaways.
‘ This decision, aimed at curbing environmental degradation, was disclosed by the Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement released on Sunday.
In the statement posted on X by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina, it was emphasized that the unbridled use of these plastics has led to environmental challenges, particularly in the clogging of drainage channels across the state.
Despite regular cleaning and evacuation efforts, these non-biodegradable materials continue to pose a threat to the environment.
The Commissioner stressed the government’s commitment to addressing this issue promptly, stating, “The State Government cannot fold its hands and watch the continued desecration of its environment, especially for a coastal city.
“To enforce the ban, Wahab has directed the Lagos Waste Management Authority and the Kick Against Indiscipline to initiate immediate implementation. The statement further outlined the Commissioner’s instructions for these agencies to crack down on production companies and distribution outlets dealing in Styrofoam within the state.
Producers, distributors, and end-users of Styrofoam packs were strongly advised to comply with the ban or face severe consequences, including hefty fines and potential closure of their premises.
The Commissioner urged consumers and residents to embrace alternatives such as reusable food containers and water bottles, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in preserving the environment.
This move comes as a response to the persistent challenge of plastic pollution in Lagos State, as reported by The PUNCH in January 2023. Despite efforts to establish a thriving recycling industry worth an estimated $2 billion in Nigeria, the state continues to grapple with the annual production of 870,000 tonnes of plastic garbage.
In a related development, a non-governmental organization, the Center for Earth Works, highlighted the indiscriminate use and disposal of plastic materials in Nigeria in a September report. The organization called for urgent measures to end plastic pollution in the country.
Credit: X| kunle_adeshina