……To commence enforcement of SUPs ban in 2025
By FEMI AKINOLA
Lagos State Government has reaffirm its commitment to managing plastic waste through the adoption of mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and carrier bags of no less than 40 microns.
The state government explained that this initiative will be supported by the creation of Plastic Waste Management Fund which would be a collaborative effort between the state government, Producers of plastics including Producers Responsibility Organizations (PROs).
This was made public at the recent engagement workshop held at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) House, in Ikeja. According to the state government, the plastic management fund will be financed by the contributions from producers and major importers and will be jointly managed to address plastic waste challenges in the state.
In a statement signed by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, he hinted that after the one year moratorium period, enforcement of the ban on styrofoam and other single-use plastics (SUPs) that have been announced since January 2024, will begin in January 2025.
The commissioner noted that Lagos generates approximately 13,000 tonnes of waste every month, with plastics constituting over 60% of this waste.
He pointed out the environmental issues posed by plastic waste such as ecosystem degradtion, drainage clogs, and marine debris, which significantly impact socio-economic conditions in the state
The SUPs affected include styrofoam pltes and cups, straws, single-use plastic cutlery, and nylon bags less than 40 microns.