The Lagos State government has pledged to implement effective strategies to maintain the ban on the use and sale of styrofoam food containers and single-use plastics (SUPs) across the state.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on the enforcement of the ban, held at MAN Centre, Ikeja, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, represented by the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, emphasized that the workshop would help develop actionable strategies to enforce and sustain the ban on styrofoam and other single-use plastics in Lagos.
Wahab highlighted that Lagos generates over 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, with a large portion consisting of single-use plastics and styrofoam, which can take up to a thousand years to degrade.
He further noted that recent studies have shown the presence of microplastics in human fetuses and bloodstreams, stressing that the ban would benefit both current and future generations.
He also reminded attendees that in January 2024, the State Government officially announced the ban on styrofoam and single-use plastics to mitigate their harmful effects on human health and the environment.
Wahab added that the government is committed to promoting viable alternatives to styrofoam containers throughout the city.
“While the implementation of the ban on Styrofoam commenced on the 12th of February, 2024 upon the expiration of a three weeks moratorium, the State announced a six-month moratorium period for SUPs which was later magnanimously extended till the end of the year 2024 upon Stakeholders appeal to give room for more consultation while the ban on SUPs is effective by January 2025,” he said.
He emphasized that Lagos has experienced the harmful effects of plastic pollution firsthand, with its impact on air quality, the clogging of waterways, and long-term health risks to residents. He noted that the decision to ban single-use plastics is a crucial step toward climate action, sustainable waste management, and improving the overall quality of life in communities.
Wahab acknowledged that the transition may not be easy, with challenges such as the cost of alternative packaging materials, shifts in consumer behavior, and ensuring widespread compliance. However, he reassured that the state government is committed to implementing the measures outlined in the Lagos State Plastic Policy by creating an enabling environment and supporting research into new technological solutions.
He further reiterated the government’s dedication to providing the necessary policy framework and support, urging participants to propose practical, actionable strategies for implementing the ban and to increase public awareness by developing a clear roadmap to 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” he said.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen said plastic waste management is one of the most daunting Environmental challenges facing Lagos state with the increasing prevalence and negative effects.
Gaji said following the ban placed on the use of Styrofoam plastics and other Single Use Plastics in the State, studies conducted reflect 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 necessary to engage various stakeholders within the plastic ecosystem in a comprehensive and robust stakeholder gathering where all interested parties will be present to chat a way forward.
He reminded all stakeholders that the State Government is very interested in the progress and well-being of business Organizations within the environment sector and would not take any action to jeopardize the interest of business owners saying this would 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.
According to the guest lecturer, Prof. Funminiyi Adeleke, former Dean of Law at Lagos State University, while the state has the authority to ban the aforementioned products, it also bears a significant responsibility to address the potential economic challenges that may arise.
He further emphasized that the government must provide sufficient notice, raise public awareness, and develop strategies to mitigate the impact of the ban both in the short and long term.