By Femi Akinola
Lagos State Government has announced ban on the use of Styrofoam plastic pack and other single use plastic packs popularly called “take away” in local parlance, with immediate effect across the state.
The ban was contained in a press statement on Sunday, signed by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, which was made available to Nature News.
The statement directed the State’s Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), to start enforcement of the ban immediately.
Importantly, the Commissioner asked LAWMA and KAI to clamp down on all the producing companies and distribution outlets for Styrofoam pack to prevent further distribution of the product and condemned the eyesore that indiscriminate dumping of Styrofoam caused to Lagos Environment.
According to Wahab, most drainage channels and secondary water collectors in Lagos are daily clogged up by used Styrofoam packs in spite of huge amount of fund being expended on clearing blocked drainage across the state.
He said the larger chunk of littering across major roads and markets that LAWMA contends with on daily basis is largely made up of used Styrofoam packs nothing that no responsible government will fold its arm and watched continuous desecration of its environment.
However, Wahab explained that the decision on the step taken by the state government against Styrofoam was reached following regular reports on menace the used Styrofoam packs are causing to Lagos Environment.
He further stated that the state government took the step relying on several enabling laws and regulations.
Among the enabling laws and regulations mentioned are the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulation, 2019, which was established pursuant to the NASREA Act, and which specifically banned single-use plastic in the country.
Other laws include the 2017 Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, which state thus under section 56 (1) (y), “prevent, stop, or discontinue any activity or omission that is likely to cause harm to human health or the environment.
In the mean time, Wahab advised producers of the banned Styrofoam pack, their distributors as well as end users to take the ban seriously and find the alternatives or risk heavy fine and other penalties which include outright sealing of the producers’ premises.
He also warned that offenders could be made to bear the costs of daily cleaning of used Styrofoam packs from Lagos roads and drainage channels which runs to tens of millions of naira on daily basis.
The Commissioner equally advised consumers of Styrofoam packs in Lagos to boycott the product including other single-use plastic packs noting that the well-known consequences of these products especially during the rainy season.
He, therefore, enjoined people of Lagos to imbibe the practice of using reusable food containers and water bottles for their foods and drinks.
“The convenience of the single-use plastics comes at a huge costs to the society. We must make little sacrifices for our collective wellbeing,” the Commissioner declared.
Meanwhile, the secretary of Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) has expressed concern about the plastic ban in Lagos, stating that it is imperative to go beyond mere pronouncements and announcements.
He raised crucial questions about the strategic plan to halt the importation and manufacturing of plastic, the recovery plan for those currently in the plastic system, and the availability of feasible alternatives.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of establishing short, medium, and long-term achievable milestones towards the goal of eliminating single-use plastic.
Additionally, he expressed reservations about the haste with which the decision was made by the Lagos state government.
The secretary’s comments shed light on the complexities and challenges associated with implementing a ban on plastic, urging a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the ban itself but also the broader issues of production, supply chain, and viable alternatives.
His insights underscore the need for a well-thought-out and inclusive strategy to effectively address the consequences of the ban and transition towards sustainable practices.
Nigeria generates 32 million metric tonnes of waste annually of which 2.5 million tonnes is as a result of plastic waste.
Out of that 2.5 million tonnes, Lagos state alone generates 870,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually which constitute 15 percent of the total waste generated by Nigeria at large. This alarming figure has made the state government ban the use of single use plastic.
Areas in Lagos state with this peculiar issues but not limited to are; Agege, Abule Egba, Bariga, Fadeyi, Ketu, Ilasa, Mushin, Isolo, Oshodi, among others, plastic pollution continues to pose a serious hazard to residents within this area.
NatureNews had reported a story that researchers warned Nigerians about the growing rate of plastic pollution to the country. Despite the report, plastic usage has continuously increased.
According to findings by NatureNews, fast-food restaurants are the major distributors and usage of single use plastic popularly called “Takeaway.”
Experts had said the suspension of plastic tax by president Bola Tinubu which was reported by NatureNews might have been the reason why single use plastic is still on a high in Lagos and Nigeria at large.
Large amount of plastic waste can be detrimental to the environment. And one of those ways could include, blocked drainage, infrastructure damage, pollution, wildlife impact amongst others.
These assertions supported a publication made by NatureNews where waste was highlighted and the challenges it pose to humanity.
Olamide Francis, a columnists with NatureNews had said there’s need for people to be reoriented about plastic usage, waste and its environment and the possible effect it have on humanity.
“Many people in Nigeria still need reorientation of their mind to realise how big a matter the subject of the environment is. Many people don’t even know that most of the natural disasters they see in the media, claiming lives and livelihood across the world, can be solved by a simple environmental solution.”