The Lagos State Government, as revealed by Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has postponed the enforcement of the ban on styrofoam and other single-use plastics (SUPs) by three weeks. Wahab, emphasizing the environmental impacts of SUPs, particularly non-biodegradable styrofoam, initially announced an immediate ban on January 21.
In a recent update on Thursday, Wahab communicated the decision to offer a three-week moratorium to producers and distributors of styrofoam before full enforcement. The statement underscored the immeasurable loss of lives, destruction of the ecosystem, and environmental menace caused by styrofoam use. The commissioner emphasized the government’s responsibility to prioritize residents’ lives over the profits of styrofoam producers.
Highlighting engagements with industry representatives, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Restaurant and Food Services Proprietor Association of Nigeria (REFSPAN), Wahab stated there is “no going back” on the total ban. He reiterated that the government’s bold step stems from ongoing efforts over the past three years to end the use of single-use plastics in the state. Wahab concluded by expressing concern about the havoc caused by single-use plastics, especially during and after the rainy season, emphasizing that government intervention became necessary due to producers not adhering to environmental responsibility.
