By Grace Ademulegun
Starting in January 2025, the Lagos State Government intends to completely restrict the use of single-use plastics (SUPs), including Styrofoam.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this public on Monday, January 6, as part of efforts to create a healthier and more sustainable environment.
SUPs, often employed for short-term reasons and discarded after a single application, have been identified as important contributors to environmental contamination and deterioration.
The state has earlier taken a step in this direction by banning the use and distribution of styrofoam and other single-use plastics on January 21, 2024.
Polystyrene, which is frequently used for takeaway food containers, is non-biodegradable and frequently clogs streams, posing environmental risks and causing flooding.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, emphasised the advancements since the first ban on Styrofoam while speaking at an assessment of flood-prone regions on Lagos Island.
He claims that the state has seen a discernible decrease in styrofoam litter, indicating that the enforcement actions have had a successful effect.
“A complete prohibition of SUPs cannot be reversed,” Wahab confirmed, disclosing, “We are now discussing how to smoothly phase them out. Before the end of January 2025, the enforcement will go into action.
“Littering has significantly decreased since the initial ban, especially with styrofoam,” he continued, adding, “and we are committed to ensuring a seamless transition away from SUPs.”
As it proceeds towards enforcing the complete ban, the Lagos State government has urged citizens, companies, and stakeholders to support its objective for a healthier and cleaner environment. END