Following the recent announcement of an immediate ban on single-use plastics (SUPs), particularly styrofoam, in Lagos State, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has revealed a three-week moratorium on the enforcement of the ban.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, Wahab disclosed that the state government is willing to postpone the commencement of the ban for three weeks, allowing producers and distributors of styrofoam to adjust before full enforcement begins.
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.
Wahab emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of residents over profit, stressing the severe impacts of SUPs on the environment and public health.
He clarified that despite the temporary reprieve, there will be “no going back” on the total ban, reaffirming the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
“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,” Wahab stated.
The commissioner underscored the necessity of government intervention due to the failure of producers to adhere to environmental regulations, citing the extensive damage caused by SUPs, especially during the rainy season.
“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,” he remarked.
