Single-use plastics banned in Nigeria’s commercial capital

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The usage and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics have been banned by the Lagos State Government.

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who announced this in a statement said that the decision follows the menace these materials are causing on the environment.

Wahab noted that various canals in the city have been clogged due to plastic waste, despite regular cleaning and evacuation of drains, and most markets and roads are littered with large amounts of styrofoam waste.

The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has therefore been ordered to begin the implementation of the ban with immediate effect in collaboration with the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI).

LAWMA and KAI, according to Guardian Nigeria, have also been tasked to stop the production of these materials by companies and distribution of same.

“Lagos State took the present action, relying on several enabling laws and regulations such as the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulation 2009 which was established under the NESREA Act that prohibited and specifically banned single-use plastic in the country but has not been enforced,” Wahab was quoted by Guardian Nigeria.

The 2017 State Environmental Management and Protection Law which states under section 56(I) (Y), “Prevent, stop or discontinue any activity or omission, which is likely to cause harm or has caused harm to human health or the environment” was also considered in making the decision, according to the Commissioner.

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