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 Singl Use Plastics (SUPs) in the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the commitment at a one day stakeholders workshop on the implementation of the ban on usage of Styrofoam and SUPs in the state.
Represented by the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, Wahab said the workshop would fashion out necessary strategies to implement and sustain the ban on Styrofoam and other SUPs in Lagos state.
He said that available statistics show 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 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.
He said that 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 2024 pronounced a ban on Styrofoam plastics and single-use-plastics to reduce their harmful environmental and health impacts on human health and the ecosystem.
He added that government remained determined to encourage viable options for Styrofoam containers across the metropolis.
“The implementation of the ban on Styrofoam commenced on Feb. 12, 2024 upon the expiration of a three weeks moratorium.
” The state announced a six- months 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 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.
He urged participants to come up with practical, actionable strategies for implementation of the ban on other single-use-plastics and 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 shared sense of responsibility,” Wahab said.
Earlier,in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen said plastic waste management was one of the most daunting environmental challenges facing Lagos state with its increasing prevalence and negative effect.
Gaji said that following the ban, studies conducted reflects that drastic but needed action had been very useful in reducing the volume of plastic waste in the drainages and waterways across the state.
He said the ministry deemed it neccesary to engage various stakeholders within the plastic ecosystem in a comprehensive and robust stakeholders gathering where all interested parties would be present to chat a way forward.
He reminded all stakeholders that the government was very interested in the progress and wellbeing of business organizations within the environment sector and would not take any action to jeopardize the interest of business owners.
He added that doing otherwise wouldl be counter-productive to the progress and financial stability of the State.
“At the same time, it must be clearly noted that the state government will not shy away from its responsibility of having a clean and sustainable environment” he said.
Also speaking, the guest lecturer, a former Dean of LAW, Lagos State University, Prof. Funminiyi Adeleke,, there was a great responsibility imposed on the government to consider economic issues that may likely arise from the ban.
He added that the government is expected to give adequate notice, awareness and fashion out ways to cushion the effects of such ban in the short and long run.
