” These SUPs and styrofoam products often clog drainage channels and canals in Lagos.”
The Lagos Government has ordered two agencies to clamp down on all the single -use plastics production companies and distribution outlets for Styrofoam in the state, to prevent further distributions.
Tokunbo Wahab, the State’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, disclosed this in an announcement enforcing the ban on the distribution and use of styrofoam and plastic products in the state.
He noted that the larger chunk of littering across major roads and markets which Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) contends with daily is made up of styrofoam.
The Commissioner added that the State Government cannot fold its hands and watch the continued desecration of its environment especially for a coastal city.
He has subsequently directed LAWMA and the Kick Against Indiscipline to immediately commence the implementation of the ban.
” Single-use plastic products (SUPs) popularly known as ‘take-away’ packs in Nigeria are commonly used by food vendors, at eateries, and parties, and other celebrations to pack edibles.
These SUPs and styrofoam products often clog drainage channels and canals in Lagos,” he said.
He said: “Following the menace which single-use plastics especially non-biodegradable Styrofoam are causing on the environment, the Lagos State government through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources is hereby announcing a ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics in the State, with immediate effect.
“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”, said Wahab.