Lagos vows to sustain styrofoam plastic ban

The Lagos State Government on Thursday vowed to deploy actionable strategies to sustain the ban on the use and sale of styrofoam food containers and single-use plastics (SUPs) in the state.

Dr Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, made the commitment at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on the implementation of the ban on the usage of styrofoam and SUPs in the state.

Wahab was represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Kunle Rotimi-Akodu.

He said the workshop would fashion out the necessary strategies to implement and sustain the ban on styrofoam and other SUPs in Lagos State.

He said that available statistics showed that Lagos generates over 13,000 tonnes of waste daily with a significant percentage being single-use-plastics and styrofoam.

According to him, these plastics have been scientifically proven to take up to 1,000 years before degrading.

Wahab added that a recent study proved that micro-plastics were found in fetus and the blood stream of human beings.

He said the resolution to ban the product would not only be beneficial to the present generation but to generations yet unborn.

He recalled that the state government in January pronounced a ban on styrofoam plastics and SUPs to reduce their harmful environmental and health impacts on human health and the ecosystem.

Wahab said that government remained determined to encourage viable options for styrofoam containers across the state.

“The implementation of the ban on styrofoam commenced on Feb. 12, 2024, upon the expiration of a three-week moratorium.

“The state announced a six-month moratorium period for SUPs which was later magnanimously extended till the end of 2024 upon stakeholders appeal to give room for more consultation, while the ban on SUPs will be effective by January 2025,” Wahab said.

He said that Lagos had seen firsthand the devastating effects of plastic pollution, as it affects air quality, clogs the waterways, and poses long-term health risks to the citizens.

The commissioner stressed that the resolve to ban is a critical step toward climate action, sustainable waste management, and improve the overall quality of life in the communities.

Wahab said that government recognises that the transition may not be easy as challenges such as cost of alternative packaging materials, changes in consumer behaviour and ensuring compliance across board is expected.

He, however, said that the state government was ready to implement the roles stipulated in the Lagos State plastic policy by providing an enabling environment and supporting research into new technological options.

He emphasised that government would continue to provide the necessary policy framework and support.

Wahab urged the participants to come up with practical and actionable strategies for implementation of the ban.

He also called on them to raise public awareness by charting a roadmap that would ensure a smooth transition.

“The future of Lagos – our health, environment, and economy rests on the actions we take today.

“I, therefore, urge each of you to embrace the journey towards a plastic-free Lagos with enthusiasm, optimism, and a shared sense of responsibility,” Wahab said.