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Ph:DR: The Lagos State Government in Nigeria bans the use and sale of polystyrene food containers and other single-use plastics
The Government of Lagos State in Nigeria has just made a significant decision; but which is intended to fight against environmental pollution. The measure was announced by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Waheb, who explains.
Indeed, the Lagos State Government has banned the use and sale of polystyrene food containers and other single-use plastics in the state of Nigeria. The use of polystyrene food containers commonly known as “Take away” or “Take away food” is prohibited in Lagos State.
The measure was announced by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Waheb, through an order published on January 21, 2024. To justify himself, the Commissioner indicated that this decision concerns single-use plastics, in particular, non-biodegradable polystyrene, for the environment.
“Most of the drainage channels in Lagos State are daily clogged with polystyrene foam due to its indiscriminate distribution and use, despite regular cleaning and disposal of the drains with huge quantities.” He reiterated that most of the waste on main roads and steps that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) faces on a daily basis is polystyrene foam” we read in the decree.
According to the Commissioner, the State Government could not remain passive in the face of the continued deterioration of its environment, especially as a coastal city. It is in this logic that he saw fit to now apply the national environmental regulation of 2009 and the national law of 2017 on environmental management and protection, which specifically prohibit single-use plastics. .
Wahab warned producers, distributors and users of polystyrene that they should take this ban seriously, or risk heavy fines, sanctions or even the closure of their premises.
The water resources authority has called on consumers and residents to boycott polytyrene packaging and single-use plastics to help fight climate change, flooding and disease, according to a publication, Macaonews du Nigeria.
