The Lagos State Government has clarified its stand on the ban of single-use plastics and Styrofoam, which is set to take effect from January 2025. It stated that the ban will not include sachet water and PET bottles.
This update was contained in a statement by the Director of Climate Change and Environmental Planning, Bankole Michael Omoniyi, on Monday.
Speaking stated this during an interview with Tiwa Talks Green Podcast on ‘Understanding the ban on Single-Use Plastics and Styrofoam (Government Perspective).
Omoniyi explained that the ban is part of the Government’s efforts to reduce environmental pollution. Towards achieving that, he stated that Government would focus on items such as nylon bags, plastic spoons and plastic cups.
He said, “We banned nylon bags, plastic cutleries, straws and then we also banned Styrofoam cups and plates. At no point did we say that PET bottles and sachet nylons were banned.”
“These materials, particularly Styrofoam,” he said, “have been identified as major contributors to environmental hazards in Lagos.
Speaking on the environmental effects of S.U.P and Styrofoam, Omoniyi cited the pollution in Surulere as an example. He said the negative impact of Styrofoam on the city can be observed.
He said, “The use of Styrofoam has led to clogged drainage channels. It has exacerbated flooding, contributed to climate change and diseases like cholera.”
Omoniyi also emphasized the State Government’s efforts towards the promotion of a greener Lagos. He said the Government would by engaging with manufacturers to discuss extended producer responsibilities. The Government would also encourage alternatives to single-use plastics.
“We have two propositions and the position is that every stakeholder and manufacturer in the plastic value chain must agree to extended producer responsibility,” he stated.
“We can agree to have creation of collection centres. Whereby every stakeholder can collect their waste, aggregate it and then there will be an off-taker. And then we can go to recycling.
“The other one is that we can have a plastic management fund. That also will be a fund that everybody involved in the value chain can contribute to,” Omoniyi explained.
The Director made the clarification after the Lagos State Government initially announced plans to ban single-use plastics and Styrofoam in January 2025.
source: PUNCH
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