The Lagos State Government, yesterday, said that the ban on Single-Use Plastics, such as pet bottles, and sachet water, among others, would take effect from January 2025 across the state.
The state government had earlier banned the use of styrofoam in all government establishments and across the state following the increasing prevalence of plastic waste and its negative effect on the environment in recent years.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the sector have urged the state government to carry out phase implementation of the ban rather than outright enforcement.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced this at a stakeholders’ workshop and awareness on the implementation of the ban on the usage of Styrofoam and SUPs for packaging in Lagos, held at Manufacturer Association of Nigeria, MAN HOUSE, 77 Awolowo Road, Ikeja.
Wahab, who was represented by the Special Adviser on The Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, stated that the policy guideline will be backed up with an appropriate legal framework to be established through an enabling law.
He said: “Plastic waste materials make up a significant proportion of solid wastes and litter the metropolis.
“It has become a highly visible part of the waste stream, PET, Styrofoam and nylon for sachet water, popularly called ‘pure water’ commonly being used for water and beverages, take away plates and cups, carrier bags, among others.
“This development is posing environmental challenges ranging from ecosystem degradation, Drainage clogging and flooding, Lagoon and Ocean debris with attendant harm to humans resulting in high socio-economic impacts on the state.
“It will improve the situation of the State’s drainage channels and reduce plastic pollution in the marine environment.
“While the implementation of the ban on Styrofoam commenced on February 12, 2024, upon the expiration of a three-month moratorium, the State announced a six-month moratorium period for SUPs which was later magnanimously extended till the end of the year 2024 upon Stakeholders appeal to give room for more consultation while the ban on SUPs be effective by January 2025”.
Reacting to the decision of the state government, the chairperson of the Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria, ATWAP, Mosaku Ololade, said: “We have been engaging Lagos State Government on the way forward and we have been sensitizing our members on the planned ban.
“We want the government to continue to engage us. We are a responsible association. We are ready to work with the government.
“We have over 2,000 members in Lagos alone with over 10,000 workers. We hereby, implore the government to implement the ban in phases to allow our members ample opportunity for compliance.
“There are lots of things to be put in place before coming up with total enforcement”.
