The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to the complete ban on the use and distribution of styrofoam and single-use plastics in the state.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this clear during a consultative meeting with representatives of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Restaurant and Food Services Proprietor Association of Nigeria (REFSPAN).
Wahab emphasized that the health of the people and the state of the environment have already suffered enough damage due to the use of styrofoam.
The state is offering a three-week moratorium to producers and distributors to allow for the exhaustion of existing stock, after which the ban will be fully enforced. The ban on styrofoam was announced over three years ago, but enforcement has been delayed until now.
Wahab highlighted the loss of lives, destruction of the ecosystem, and damage to the environment caused by styrofoam. He stressed that the lives of residents are more important than the profit made by producers.
The commissioner acknowledged that producers have a responsibility to society, but they have failed to conduct an environmental impact assessment before production.
He also mentioned that discussions regarding the ban on other types of single-use plastics will continue until a viable solution is reached. The decision to ban styrofoam was based on its non-recyclable nature and the harm it poses to wildlife and aquatic life.
The Managing Director of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, highlighted the need to prevent styrofoam from clogging drainage channels, as it is hazardous to human health.
Representatives from MAN and REFSPAN pleaded for leniency and requested time to use existing stock before enforcement begins.
Article updated 3 days ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
