… Hosts Stakeholders Parley
The Lagos state Government on Thursday stated that it will commence statewide full enforcement of a ban on certain categories of Single-Use Plastics (SUP) from January 2025 following the expiration of the one-year moratorium it gave to the producers.
Speaking during a stakeholders workshop on the ban of styrofoam and other single-use plastics at Ikeja, the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, explained that the affected SUP includes styrofoams (plates & cups) straws, single-use plastics, cutlery and nylon bags of less than 40 microns.
Wahab, who was represented by the Special Adviser Environment, Engr. Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, explained that the government will step up advocacy on the new reality to enable the user residents to transition smoothly.
He also informed that part of the resolution at the workshop is that pet bottles, sachets and carrier bags that are not less than 40 microns are to be managed using the mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility.
He added that the commencement of the ban on certain categories of SUPs in January 2025 will be a follow-up to the commencement and enforcement of a ban on Styrofoam food packs from January 2024.
He reiterated that the present administration will ensure that actionable strategies are employed to sustain the ban on the use and sale of styrofoam food containers and other Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) in the State.
The Commissioner also hinted that the State, alongside stakeholders, including the Producers Responsibility Organisations (PROs,), will establish and run a Plastics Waste Management Fund, which all producers and major importers will contribute to and jointly manage to take care of plastic waste in the State.
He added that necessary strategies to implement and sustain the ban on Styrofoam food packs and other single-use plastics in Lagos State are already in place and being implemented.
Wahab said statistics showed that Lagos generates over 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, with a significant percentage being single-use plastics and Styrofoam, adding that these plastics have been scientifically proven to take up to a thousand years before degrading.
He added that a recent study also proved that microplastics were found in fetuses and the bloodstream of human beings, saying that the resolution to ban the product would not only be beneficial to the present generation but to generations yet unborn.
He added that the government remained determined to encourage viable options for Styrofoam containers across the metropolis.
“While the implementation of the ban on Styrofoam commenced on the 12th of February, 2024 upon the expiration of a three weeks moratorium, the State announced a six-month moratorium period for SUPs which was later magnanimously extended till the end of the year 2024 upon Stakeholders appeal to give room for more consultation while the ban on SUPs is effective by January 2025”, he said.
He maintained that Lagos had seen firsthand the devastating effects of plastic pollution, as it affects air quality, clogs the waterways, and poses long-term health risks to the citizens, adding that the resolve to ban is a critical step toward climate action, sustainable waste management, and improve the overall quality of life in the communities.
Wahab said the Government recognizes that the transition may not be easy as challenges, such as the cost of alternative packaging materials, changes in consumer behaviour and ensuring compliance across the board are expected, however, the state Government is ready to implement the roles stipulated in the Lagos State plastic policy by providing an enabling environment and supporting research into new technological options.
He reiterated that the Government will continue to provide the necessary policy framework and support, urging participants to come up with practical, actionable strategies for implementation of the ban on other single-use plastics and raise public awareness by charting a roadmap that will ensure a smooth transition.
“The future of Lagos – our health, environment, and economy rests on the actions we take today. I therefore urge each of you to embrace the journey towards a plastic-free Lagos with enthusiasm, optimism and a shared sense of responsibility”, he said.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen said plastic waste management is one of the most daunting Environmental challenges facing Lagos state with the increasing prevalence and negative effect.
Gaji said following the ban placed on the use of Styrofoam plastics and other Single Use Plastics in the State, studies conducted reflect that drastic but needed action had been very useful in reducing the volume of plastic waste in the drainages and waterways across the State.
