By Abdullahi Lukman
The Cross River House of Assembly has proposed a ban on the use of styrofoam and foil paper for food packaging to protect public health and the environment.
The motion, sponsored by Mr. Ogiji Achadu of Yala 2 State Constituency, was adopted during a plenary session.
Achadu highlighted that styrofoam, made from petroleum-based polystyrene, releases styrene — a toxic chemical — when heated or in contact with food, posing serious health risks including neurological, respiratory, and hormonal issues.
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He also noted that styrofoam is non-biodegradable, contributing to environmental pollution and complicating waste management.
Lawmakers raised concerns over the health dangers of heating food in foil paper and the broader problem of non-degradable waste.
They pointed to Lagos State’s existing ban as a successful model and called for similar enforcement in Cross River.
The assembly recommended empowering the Environmental Task Force Agency to enforce the proposed ban.
Speaker Elvert Ayambem commended the lawmakers for their focus on citizen welfare and environmental sustainability.
