As Comm for Environment pledges actionable strategies to sustain on-going ban on Styrofoam food packs
The Lagos state government on Thursday stated that it will commence statewide full enforcement of a ban on certain categories of single use plastics (SUP) from January 2025 following the expiration of the one year moratorium it gave to the producers.
Speaking during a stakeholders workshop on the ban of styrofoams and other single use plastics at Ikeja, the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab explained that the affected SUP includes styrofoams (plates & cups) straws, single use plastics, cutlery and nylon bags of less than 40 microns.
Wahab who was represented by the Special Adviser Environment, Engr Kunle Rotimi- Akodu, explained that government will step up advocacy on the new reality to enable the people transition smoothly.
He also informed that part of the resolution at the workshop is that pet bottles, sachet and carrier bags that are not less than 40 microns are to be managed using the mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility.
He added that the commencement of the ban on certain categories of SUPs in January 2025 will be a follow up to the commencement and enforcement of a ban on Styrofoam food packs from January 2024.
He reiterated that the present administration will ensure that actionable strategies are employed to sustain the ban on the use and sale of styrofoam food containers and other single use plastics (SUPs) in the state.
The Commissioner also hinted that the state alongside stakeholders including the Producers Responsibility Organisations (PROs) will establish and run a Plastics Waste Management Fund which all producers and major importers will contribute to and jointly manage to take care of plastic waste in the state.
He added that necessary strategies to implement and sustain the ban on Styrofoam food packs and other single-use plastics in Lagos state are already in place and being implemented.
Wahab said statistics showed that Lagos generates over 13,000 tonnes of waste daily with a significant percentage being single-use-plastics and Styrofoam adding that these plastics have been scientifically proven to take up to a thousand years before degrading.
He added that a recent study also proved that micro- plastics were found in fetus and the blood stream of human beings, saying that the resolution to ban the product will not only be beneficial to the present generation but to generations yet unborn.
He added that government remained determined to encourage viable options for Styrofoam containers across the metropolis.
He maintained 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 adding 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 Government recognizes 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, however the state Government is ready to implement the roles stipulated in the Lagos state plastic policy by providing an enabling environment and supporting research into new technological innovations.
