The Lagos State Government has imposed an absolute ban on the use and distribution of Styrofoam, sometimes known as takeaway packs, and other single-use plastics throughout the state, effective immediately.
In a statement that he personally signed on Sunday, Tokunbo Wahab, the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, made the announcement.
According to Wahab, the decision was made in response to the environmental damage caused by single-use plastics, particularly non-biodegradable Styrofoam.
Wahab stated that most drainage channels in the state are daily clogged up by Styrofoam and other plastics through its indiscriminate distribution and usage despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous amounts.
The Commissioner reiterated that the larger chunk of litterings across major roads and markets that LAWMA contends with daily is made up of styro foams.
Wahab has since asked the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Kick Against Indiscipline to swiftly execute the ban.
The Commissioner warned makers, distributors, and end-users of these styrofoam packets to take the prohibition seriously and find alternatives, or face significant fines and other consequences, including the closing of their premises.
He further threatened that they might be forced to pay for the daily cleanup of their goods from our roads and drainage systems, which costs tens of millions of naira every day.
“Our state cannot be held hostage to the economic interests of a few wealthy business owners compared to the millions of Lagosians suffering the consequences of indiscriminate dumping of single use plastics and other types of waste” , he said.
He advised consumers and communities to avoid styrofoam packs and single-use plastics, instead opting for reusable food containers and water bottles for their food and beverages.
“The convenience of single-use plastic comes at a significant cost to society.” “We must all make small sacrifices for our collective well-being,” Wahab said.
