On Sunday, the Lagos State Government declared an immediate ban on the use and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics within the state. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement in a statement he personally signed, citing the environmental impact of these materials.
Wahab highlighted the adverse effects of non-biodegradable Styrofoam on the environment, particularly in clogging drainage channels despite regular cleaning efforts. He noted that a substantial portion of litter on major roads and in markets consists of Styrofoams. In response to this issue, the Commissioner emphasized the State Government’s commitment to safeguarding the environment, especially for a coastal city like Lagos.
He directed the State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Kick Against Indiscipline to immediately enforce the ban. The two agencies are tasked with cracking down on production companies and distribution outlets for Styrofoam to prevent further dissemination.
Wahab justified the government’s action by invoking several laws and regulations, including the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulation 2009 and the 2017 State Environmental Management and Protection Law. These legal frameworks prohibit single-use plastics and empower authorities to prevent activities harmful to human health or the environment.
Producers, distributors, and end-users of Styrofoam were sternly warned to comply with the ban or face severe penalties, including hefty fines and the sealing of their premises. They may also be held responsible for the daily cleanup costs of their products from roads and drainage channels, which amount to tens of millions of naira.
Wahab emphasized the need to prioritize the collective well-being of Lagosians over the economic interests of a few business owners. He pointed out the well-known consequences of indiscriminate dumping of single-use plastics, such as climate change, flooding, and diseases like cholera.
The Commissioner urged consumers and residents to boycott Styrofoam packs and single-use plastics, encouraging the use of reusable food containers and water bottles. Wahab concluded by emphasizing the importance of making small sacrifices for the greater good of society.