Lagos Govt Begins Enforcement Of ‘Styrofoam Takeaway’ Ban, Issues Three-Week Moratorium

The Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has announced a three-week moratorium on the ban of single-use plastics (SUPs), especially styrofoam, in the state.

VerseNews reports that the initial ban was announced on January 21 due to the environmental impacts of SUPs.

Wahab stated that the state is willing to offer the moratorium to producers and distributors, after which full enforcement of the ban will commence.

The decision comes after meetings with representatives of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Restaurant and Food Services Proprietor Association of Nigeria (REFSPAN).

Wahab emphasized that there would be “no going back” on the total ban.

The statement read: “The number of lives that have been lost through the effect of the use of styrofoam, the destruction of the ecosystem and aquatic lives as well as the menace brought upon the environment cannot be quantified.

“The Lagos State government has been having different conversations with manufacturers on ways to end the use of single-use plastics in the State despite the pronouncement of the ban over 3 years ago, but the government has decided to take a bold step to stop the use, particularly styrofoam.”

“The havoc and destruction caused to public utility by single-use plastics during and after the rainy season is unimaginable. If the producers had been responsible enough to respect the law, the government would not have had to wade into the matter.”