In a groundbreaking move, the Lagos State Government has swiftly implemented a ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics, effective immediately.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement personally through an official statement on January 21.
Wahab emphasized that the decision stems from the environmental havoc caused by these non-biodegradable materials, particularly Styrofoam. The rampant distribution and usage of single-use plastics have been notorious for clogging drainage channels, despite regular cleaning efforts by authorities.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Wahab pointed out that Styrofoam constitutes a significant portion of litter on major roads and markets, posing a substantial challenge for the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
The Commissioner expressed the State Government’s determination to safeguard the environment, especially given Lagos state coastal nature. To enforce the ban, Wahab has directed LAWMA and the Kick Against Indiscipline to promptly implement the prohibition.
The two agencies are tasked with cracking down on production companies and distribution outlets for Styrofoam, preventing further dissemination of these harmful materials.
Wahab cited existing laws and regulations, including the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulation 2009 and the 2017 State Environmental Management and Protection Law, as the legal basis for the decisive action. These laws empower the state to curtail activities detrimental to human health and the environment.
Producers, distributors, and end-users of Styrofoam have been sternly warned to comply with the ban or face severe consequences, including hefty fines, penalties, and potential closure of their premises. They may also be held accountable for the costly daily cleanup of their products from roads and drainage channels, which incurs significant expenses.
The Commissioner underscored the far-reaching consequences of continued plastic usage, citing climate change, flooding, and the risk of diseases like cholera. Wahab urged consumers and residents to embrace eco-friendly alternatives, advocating for the use of reusable food containers and water bottles to contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.
By Fikunmi Sokoya
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