Gov Babajide Sanwo Olu
The Lagos State Government has given a three-week extension to implement the ban on styrofoam and other disposable plastics.
The latest development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
In the statement released through his official X handle on Thursday, January 25, the commissioner emphasized that the state’s priority lies in the welfare of its inhabitants rather than the financial gains obtained from styrofoam production.
“As a responsible government, the lives of the residents are far more important than the profit producers set to make from the continuous production of styrofoam,” he stated.
Recall that the Lagos state government initially announced the immediate ban on styrofoam and other single-use plastics on January 21, citing concerns for the environment and public health.
Wahab emphasized that these products pose a significant threat to the ecosystem, especially during the rainy season.
Styrofoam, made from styrene, a petroleum-based material, is commonly used in the production of food containers.
In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified styrene as a probable carcinogen, indicating an increased risk of cancer associated with its usage.
Despite previous restrictions on styrofoam usage in Lagos, Wahab confirmed the state’s determination to enforce the ban.
He highlighted the extensive damage caused by single-use plastics to public infrastructure, particularly during and after the rainy season. The commissioner also acknowledged the detrimental effects of styrofoam on human lives, the ecosystem, aquatic life, and the overall environmental nuisance.