Eko Hot Blog reports Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to banning styrofoam packs and other single-use plastics in the state. Following an announcement on Sunday, the government has granted producers and distributors a three-week moratorium before full enforcement begins.
During a consultative meeting with representatives of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Restaurant and Food Services Proprietor Association of Nigeria, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources emphasized the irrevocable nature of the ban.
The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated on Thursday, “The Lagos State Government has been having different conversations with manufacturers on ways to end the use of single-use plastics in the state despite the pronouncement of the ban over three years ago.”
Wahab highlighted the environmental damage caused by single-use plastics, especially during and after the rainy season. The government aims to curb the adverse effects on public utilities, ecosystems, aquatic life, and overall environmental well-being.
Wahab stressed, “The number of lives that have been lost through the effect of the use of styrofoam, the destruction of the ecosystem and aquatic lives as well as the menace brought upon the environment cannot be quantified.”
As part of its responsibility, the government prioritizes residents’ well-being over potential profits for producers. To allow a transitional period, a three-week moratorium has been granted, after which the state will initiate full enforcement of the ban.
Despite efforts to combat plastic pollution, Lagos State continues to grapple with significant challenges, producing an estimated 870,000 tonnes of plastic garbage annually. This move aligns with the ongoing global efforts to address plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability. The ban seeks to mitigate the environmental impact of single-use plastics and encourage more responsible practices within the state.
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