The Lagos State Government, on Thursday, said there was no going back on the total ban on the usage and distribution of styrofoam in the state, adding that it was giving concerned stakeholders three weeks before the commencement of enforcement.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, declared this during a consultative meeting with representatives of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Restaurant and Food Services Proprietor Association of Nigeria at the Secretariat, Alausa.
Wahab said enough damage had been done to the health of residents of the state as well as the environment, stressing that “three weeks is enough time for the products already in the state to be exhausted if indeed the stockists are committed,” according to a statement on Thursday.
“You will all agree with me that for over three years, this conversation has been ongoing, waiting for when the big bold step of enforcement will be taken,” he said.
He added that the number of lives that had 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 could not be quantified.
He further stated that the lives of the residents were far more important than the profit producers make from the continuous production of styrofoam.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Omobolaji Gaji, noted that the decision to ban the product was reached following the menace caused by styrofoam in the environment, saying the product was not recyclable but rather remain the same after hundreds of years.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Isolo Local Council Development Area, Mr Olasoju Adebayo, has urged residents of the LCDA to comply with the state’s ban on styrofoam and single-use plastic.
Adebayo made the call on Thursday, noting that the banned plastics pose a great threat to the environment and health of residents.
He commended the state government on the ban, saying the council would support efforts to enforce the ban in the council area.
“We pledge our unwavering support for the enforcement of the ban within Isolo Council.
“Our administration is ready to embark on comprehensive awareness and sensitisation, targeting organisations involved in the production and distribution of styrofoam and single-use plastics,” he said.