Lagos, Jan. 21, 2024 -The Lagos State Government has banned the use and distribution of single-use plastics, especially non-biodegradable Styrofoam across the state.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, announced the decision through a post on his official X ,formerly Twitter), account on Sunday.
“Following the menace which single-use plastics, especially non-biodegradable Styrofoam are causing on the environment, the Lagos State government through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources is hereby announcing a ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics in the State with immediate effect,” he wrote.
The commissioner said most of the drainage channels in the state had been clogged by Styrofoam through its indiscriminate distribution and usage despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous amounts.
He said that the larger chunk of littering across major roads and markets which Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) was contending with daily was made up of styrofoam.
Wahab said the State Government could not fold its arms and watch the continued desecration of its environment especially for a coastal city.
He directed LAWMA and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) to immediately commence the implementation of the ban.
The commissioner ordered the two agencies to clamp down on all the production companies and distribution outlets for Styrofoam in the state to prevent further distribution. (GBN)
