Mary Onyia
Lagos State government will from January 2025 ban the circulation of Single Use Plastics, such as pet bottles, satchet water among others, across the state.
This in continuation of the state government’s action in January 2024 when it banned the use of styrofoam in all government establishments across the metropolis in general, following increasing prevalence of plastic waste and its negative effect on the environment in recent years.
This is as stakeholders in the sector have urged the state government to carryout phase implementation of the ban rather than outright enforcement for effective and efficient compliance as well as giving it human face in the present economic hardship.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced this on Thursday, at a stakeholders’ workshop and awareness on the implementation of the ban on 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, explained that the ban set to commence from January 2025, is part of measures by the State Government to put in place policy guidelines for plastic utility in further ensuring a sustainable management of plastic waste, healthy and safe environment.
The commissioner added that the policy guideline will also be backed up with appropriate legal framework to be established through an enabling law.
He disclosed that Lagos presently generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste products monthly, with plastics making up over 60 per cent.
“Plastics waste materials make up a significant proportion of solid wastes and litter the metropolis,” he said.
“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.