In a decisive move, the Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its stance on the complete ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam within the state.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during a consultative meeting with representatives from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Restaurant and Food Services Proprietors Association of Nigeria (REFSPAN).
Wahab emphasised the irreversible damage caused to both public health and the environment due to the persistent use of Styrofoam. Despite pleas from stakeholders, including a request for a delay in enforcement, the government maintained that the ban would proceed as scheduled, with a three-week moratorium provided to allow existing stock to be exhausted.
The Commissioner highlighted the longstanding discourse surrounding the ban, spanning over three years, and underscored the necessity of taking decisive action to safeguard lives and the ecosystem. He rejected appeals to postpone the ban, asserting that prioritising commercial interests over public welfare was unacceptable.
Furthermore, Wahab emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the broader issue of single-use plastics, hinting at potential future bans.
The decision to ban Styrofoam was reinforced by the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, who underscored the non-recyclable and hazardous nature of the material, posing threats to wildlife and human health.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), echoed concerns over the environmental impact of Styrofoam, emphasising the urgency of clearing drainage channels congested with the material.
While representatives from MAN and REFSPAN pleaded for leniency and additional time to deplete existing stocks, the state government remained resolute in its decision. The ban, which was announced on January 21st, continues to elicit mixed reactions from various quarters.
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