EKO NEWS

Lagos State Commences Full Enforcement Of Styrofoam Ban, Threatens Confiscation

Published

10 months ago

Feb 18, 2024.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Lagos State Government has announced that it will initiate the comprehensive enforcement of the ban on Styrofoam food containers across the state starting Monday.

The government emphasized its commitment to seizing and confiscating any Styrofoam items found in shops, stores, or outlets within the state.

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Styrofoam, a material widely used in the production of disposable plates for eateries, has been a major environmental concern, prompting the state government to take action.

The decision to ban Styrofoam and other single-use plastics was initially declared in January, citing the environmental hazards posed by non-biodegradable materials.

In a bid to allow businesses and individuals to adjust, the government provided a three-week grace period for the phasing out of Styrofoam usage.

However, despite this grace period, concerns have been raised by stakeholders, particularly those in the affected businesses, who argue that the ban would adversely impact their operations.

Reports indicate that some vendors have resorted to using nylon bags as an alternative packaging material for food.

They claim that the state government did not provide them with affordable and better alternatives after implementing the ban.

The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources confirmed the commencement of the enforcement through a series of tweets on Saturday night.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello Wahab, stated during a meeting with market leaders that the enforcement would cover all markets in the state.

Wahab explained, “The enforcement will start across all markets on Monday, and officers from LAGESC/KAI, Environmental Health Officials, LAWMA Police, and the Ministry will go after all those having the Styrofoams in their shops, stores or outlets and confiscate them.”

Highlighting the adverse effects of Styrofoam usage on health and the environment, Wahab affirmed the government’s determination to promote viable alternatives for containers across the metropolis.

The commissioner acknowledged the recent closure of some markets in the state due to unsanitary conditions, attributing it to the negligence of market executives.

He urged market leaders to prioritize cleanliness, emphasizing that a clean environment is essential. Wahab expressed the government’s reluctance in shutting down businesses but stressed that the sorry state of some markets necessitated action.

Furthermore, Wahab appealed to traders to refrain from selling on railway lines and roads while encouraging waste segregation and patronage of waste management services.

He warned about the risks associated with trading activities on railway lines and announced the upcoming commissioning of the Red Rail line in a few weeks.