Recall that the state had in January 2024 banned the use of styrofoam in all government establishments and across the metropolis in general, following increasing prevalence of plastic waste and its negative effect on the environment in recent years.
This is as stakeholders in the sector have urged the state government to carryout phase implementation of the ban rather than outright enforcement for effective and efficient compliance as well as give it human face in the present economic hardship.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced this on Thursday, at a stakeholders’ workshop and awareness on the implementation of the ban on usage of Styrofoam and SUPs for packaging in Lagos, held at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) House, Ikeja.
Wahab, who was represented by the Special Adviser on The Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, explained that the ban set to commence from January 2025, is part of measures by the State Government to put in place policy guidelines for plastic utility in further ensuring a sustainable management of plastic waste, healthy and safe environment.
Wahab added that the policy guideline will also be backed up with appropriate legal framework to be established through an enabling law.
He disclosed that Lagos presently generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste products monthly, with plastics making up over 60 per cent.
According to Wahab, “Plastics waste materials make up a significant proportion of solid wastes and litter the metropolis.
