The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the ban on Styrofoam food containers and single-use plastics, SUPs, stressing the importance of sustainable practices in waste management.
At a stakeholders’ workshop held at MAN Centre, Ikeja, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, represented by the Special Adviser for the Environment, Engr. Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, outlined strategies to ensure the long-term success of the ban.
Wahab disclosed that Lagos produces over 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, a substantial portion of which consists of Styrofoam and single-use plastics, materials known to take up to a thousand years to degrade. Recent studies have even discovered microplastics in human fetuses and bloodstream, emphasizing the urgency of the ban for both current and future generations.
He recalled that in January 2024, the Lagos State Government implemented a ban on Styrofoam plastics as part of efforts to mitigate their harmful effects on the environment and public health. The ban on Styrofoam took effect on February 12, 2024, after a three-week moratorium, while a six-month grace period was initially announced for SUPs. After further consultations, the ban on SUPs is set to be fully enforced by January 2025.
READ ALSO :Â Lagos State Govt launches e-call up system for truck management in Lekki-Epe corridor
Wahab stressed that the transition away from these harmful materials would not be easy, as challenges like the cost of alternative packaging and changing consumer behavior are anticipated. However, the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses and supporting research into innovative packaging solutions. He urged stakeholders to come up with actionable strategies for enforcing the ban and raising public awareness.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, acknowledged that plastic waste is one of the most serious environmental challenges facing Lagos. Since the implementation of the Styrofoam ban, there has already been a notable reduction in plastic waste clogging drainages and waterways.
Gaji also assured stakeholders that the state government is mindful of the concerns of business owners in the environmental sector and would take steps to ensure that businesses are not unduly harmed by the transition. However, he stressed that the government’s priority is to maintain a clean and sustainable environment for all residents.
Prof. Funminiyi Adeleke, former Dean of Law at Lagos State University, added that while the ban is necessary, the government must also address the economic impact it could have, both in the short and long term. He called for adequate notice, public awareness campaigns, and measures to cushion the effects of the ban on businesses and consumers.
The workshop is part of Lagos State’s ongoing efforts to chart a roadmap toward a plastic-free future, with a focus on climate action, sustainable waste management, and improving the quality of life in the state’s communities.
Credible News.ng
