LASG bans usage of styrofoam, other single use plastics

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos state government has banned the use and distribution of styrofoam and other single use plastics across the state.

WesternPost reports that the ban was announced on Sunday by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab in a statement he personally signed.

According to Wahab, the decision was reached following the menace which the single use plastics especially the non-biogradeable Styrofoam was causing on the environment.

He added that most drainage channels in the state were daily clogged up by Styrofoam and other plastics through its indiscriminate distribution and usage despite the regular evacuation of the drains with humongous amounts.

Wahab reiterated that the larger chunk of litterings across major roads and markets were made up of styrofoams.

The Commissioner added that the government could not fold hands and watch the continued desecration of the environment especially for a coastal city.

Wahab directed the State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) to immediately commence the implementation of the ban.

He asked the two agencies to clamp down on all the production companies and distribution outlets for Styrofoam in the state to prevent further distribution.

Wahab explained that the state relied on enabling laws for the enforcement.

The Commissioner advised producers, distributors, and end-users of the styrofoam packs to take the ban seriously and find alternatives or risk heavy fines.