The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced this on his X (former Twitter) account on Sunday, January 21, 2024. According to the Commissioner, the ban has become necessary due to the menace the ‘takeaway packs’ and other single-use plastics are causing the environment.
He added that the government remains committed to a cleaner Lagos. There have been calls from citizens and particularly health professionals to ban disposable plastics such as expanded polystyrene due to the risks they pose to human health. Studies have also shown that takeout packaging poses a great danger to the environment and aquatic life. In Lagos, the indiscriminate manner in which users dispose of these plastics has resulted in an environmental menace.
He added that, with this ban in place, Lagos hopes to significantly reduce the negative impact of these plastics on the environment. This will also help raise awareness about the importance of using sustainable and reusable materials.
Many positive initiatives have already been put in place in Lagos to promote the use of environmentally friendly materials. For example, awareness campaigns have been launched to encourage citizens to use reusable fabric bags rather than plastic bags when shopping. Local businesses have also taken steps to replace plastic packaging with more environmentally friendly alternatives.
With this ban, Lagos positions itself as a leader in the fight against single-use plastics in Nigeria. Hopefully other states and regions will follow this example and implement similar measures to preserve our environment and protect our health.
In conclusion, banning single-use plastics such as expanded polystyrene in Lagos is a crucial step in preserving the environment and promoting a greener lifestyle. It is important that all of society, including citizens, businesses and authorities, work together to implement sustainable alternatives and reduce our dependence on disposable plastics. Together, we can build a cleaner, more nature-friendly future.
