The Lagos State Government is doubling down on its commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future as it enforces the ongoing Styrofoam ban in the state.
In a statement made on Monday, Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment, reiterated that the government had been proactive in taking strategic steps over the past 18 months to transition away from Styrofoam products.
Wahab explained that the government had engaged in extensive dialogues and consultations with stakeholders, including marketers and producers, to ensure a smooth transition.
Despite the challenges and pushback from traders dealing with Styrofoam products, he stressed that the ban was necessary to align Lagos with global environmental best practices.
“We’ve given ample time to align with global standards. What is unacceptable elsewhere cannot become standard in Lagos,” Wahab stated. “We’re not here to score points. We’re here to do the work. A cleaner, healthier Lagos is within reach if we all play our part.”
This action follows the state’s decision in January 2024 to implement the Styrofoam ban, which had sparked reactions across various communities.
The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI, recently destroyed ₦5 million worth of seized Styrofoam packs in September 2024, a clear demonstration of the state’s zero-tolerance policy.
The destruction, carried out in Epe, was conducted in collaboration with Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
Speaking at the event, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole, Corps Marshal of LAGESC, emphasized that there was no going back on the ban. “The state government has declared zero tolerance on the sales, usage, and distribution of Styrofoam packs in Lagos,” he declared.
The nationwide concern over plastic waste intensified as the Federal Government also announced a single-use plastic ban in June 2024, affecting ministries, departments, and agencies of government. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, outlined that by January 2025, most categories of single-use plastics, including Styrofoam, would be banned across Nigeria.
This move aligns with the government’s strategy to tackle pressing environmental issues such as plastic pollution, flooding, and climate change.
As the state and federal governments continue their environmental push, the focus remains on encouraging accountability and responsibility among businesses and residents.
The efforts are in line with Nigeria’s broader commitment to protecting its environment for future generations.
