On July 1, the Lagos State government announced that it would start enforcing the single-use plastics ban completely.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Environment Commissioner, made this known in a statement on X on Monday.
He explained that 18 months of dialogue, engagement, and transition had resulted in the state government acting strategically and intentionally.
Wahab noted that the government had a number of stakeholder engagements with these product marketers and producers in the span of almost 18 months.
Read more about Lagos beginning the “very soon” enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics.
The state government enacted a ban on Styrofoam usage throughout the state in January 2024, which sparked outcry from residents, particularly those who were involved in a deal to sell the product.
However, the commissioner claimed that the government had taken advantage of international best practices, noting that what is unacceptable elsewhere cannot become accepted in Lagos.
“We once more emphasised this position as a result of a courtesy visit by TETRA PAK West Africa Limited’s management, led by the managing director, Haithem Debbiche.
It’s about environmental responsibility, they say. Additionally, we have taken the necessary steps to adhere to international best practices. What is unacceptable elsewhere cannot be accepted in Lagos. We must invest in our future and pursue good deeds.
“We’re not here to win any points,” the statement read. The purpose of our presence is to accomplish the work. We will insist on accountability and responsibility, just like we did with the Styrofoam ban’s successful enforcement. If everyone plays their part, we could have a cleaner, healthier Lagos.
The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI, destroyed 5 million pounds of Styrofoam packs in one month at various locations throughout the state.
The agency collaborated with Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) officials to carry out the exercise in the state’s Epe region.
Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole, the corps commander of the LAGESC, said there was no way to go back on the state’s declaration of zero tolerance on the sale, use, and distribution of Styrofoam packs.
The Federal Government declared a one-use plastic ban in all government ministries, departments, and agencies in June 2024.
Iziaq Salako, the minister of state for environment, made this statement after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was being led by President Bola Tinubu, in Abuja.
READ ALSO: FG Bans Single-Use Plastics In Ministries, and Other Places.
According to the minister, some types of plastic, the majority of which are single-use, will be outlawed in Nigeria by January 2025, according to the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, which was adopted in 2020.
According to Salako, the ban complied with the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s threats to climate change, biodiversity loss, and plastic pollution.
Source: Channels TV
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