By Abdullahi Lukman
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the ban on single-use styrofoam, emphasizing that the policy is based on public health concerns, environmental sustainability, and scientific evidence, rather than political motives.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known on Thursday, August 7, 2025, via his verified X handle.
He acknowledged the ban was initially unpopular and met with resistance, but insisted it was a necessary move backed by clear data.
According to Wahab, styrofoam severely impacts the environment by clogging drains, polluting water bodies, and infiltrating the food chain, thereby posing significant health risks.
“It wasn’t politics – it was public health,” he stressed.
He thanked Lagos residents who have complied with the directive by switching to eco-friendly alternatives, noting their role in reducing flooding during the prolonged 2025 rainy season.
“To every Lagosian who adapted: Thank you,” he said.
Wahab also praised content creator @Taaooma for using humour to educate the public on the ban’s significance.
He emphasized that the success of environmental initiatives depends on collective effort and citizen participation.
The ban, officially announced in January 2024, followed sustained advocacy from environmentalists, civil society groups, and health experts. Research from both local and international studies identified discarded styrofoam as a major contributor to blocked drainage systems in Lagos.
