Lagos Govt Bans Use Of Plastics, Styrofoam ‘Takeaway Packs’ With Immediate Effect

The Lagos State Government has announced an immediate ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam ‘take-away packs within the state.

VerseNews reports that the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the ban via a statement on his X (former Twitter) account on Sunday, January 21, 2024.

Such single-use plastic products (SUPs) popularly known as ‘take-away’ packs in Nigeria are commonly used by food vendors, at eateries, and parties, and other celebrations to pack edibles.

These SUPs and styrofoam products often clog drainage channels and canals in Lagos.

The Commissioner cited the environmental menace caused by these materials, clogging drainage channels and impacting the state’s coastal environment.

He also said the ban takes immediate effect.

“Following the menace which single-use plastics especially non-biodegradable Styrofoam are causing on the environment, the Lagos State government through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources is hereby announcing a ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics in the State with immediate effect”.

“Our state cannot be held hostage to the economic interests of a few wealthy business owners compared to the millions of Lagosians suffering the consequences of indiscriminate dumping of single use plastics and other types of waste”, Wahab stated.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority and the Kick Against Indiscipline have been directed to implement the ban, and the commissioner urged producers, distributors, and users to comply or face fines and penalties.

Residents are encouraged to adopt reusable containers and water bottles instead of single-use plastics.