The Lagos State Government has ordered an immediate ban on the use of disposable food packaging containers, widely known as “takeaway” or “takeout”.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab in a statement on Sunday, said the heightened use of these plastics has caused some serious environmental hazards in the state.
The Commissioner’s statement, which he personally signed, was shared on X by the ministry’s Spokesperson Kunle Adeshina.
“Most drainage channels in the state are daily clogged up by Styrofoam and other plastics through its indiscriminate distribution and usage despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous amounts,” it read in part.
The statement further stated that “most drainage channels in the state are daily clogged up by Styrofoam and other plastics through its indiscriminate distribution and usage despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous amounts.”
Mr. Wahab directed the immediate implementation of the ban by the Lagos Waste Management Authority and the Kick Against Indiscipline.
Companies producing and distributing the banned products will be apprehended, and heavy fines paid by offenders who refuse to adhere to the new directive.
“Our state cannot be held hostage to the economic interests of a few wealthy business owners compared to the millions of Lagosians suffering the consequences of indiscriminate dumping of single use plastics and other types of waste”, the Commissioner said.
In the statement, the Commissioner advised consumers to desist from patronising takeaway packs and instead, embrace reusable food and drinks containers.
“The convenience of single use plastic comes at a huge cost to the society. We must all make small sacrifices for our collective well-being”, Wahab urged.
Single-use plastics and Styrofoam containers are used mostly for packaging food by eateries, parties, and other functions. They also serve for personal use at home, especially for food storage.
A report by the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), stated that the megacity of over 24million people produces approximately 13,000 tons of waste per day. When collected, the waste is often not properly disposed of.
