The Lagos State Government has said that it will ramp up enforcement on the ban of usage and distribution of all forms of styrofoam food packs and trays across the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated this on Wednesday in Lagos.
Wahab said this during a meeting with the Restaurant and Food Services Proprietor Association of Nigeria in Alausa.
He said there is no going back on the total ban of usage and distribution of all forms of styrofoam food containers and trays, while Single Use Plastics would be phased out gradually.
He said the Ministry is set to increase the number of enforcement officers to effectively ramp up the enforcement, while reiterating that they will go after all those that have the styrofoam food containers/trays in stock and confiscate them.
Wahab said the number of lives that have been lost through the effect of the use of styrofoam food packs, destruction of the ecosystem and aquatic lives as well as the menace brought upon the environment cannot be quantified.
He added that the lives of the residents remain far more important than the economic value the association was attaching to the continuous use of styrofoam takeaway packs and trays.
He said: “Delhi is renowned for its vibrant and diverse street food chain.
“It is the capital of street food and styrofoam takeaway packs are not allowed there.
“So no going back on the total ban on usage and distribution of styrofoam food containers and trays in the state, bearing in mind that this particular product is hazardous to health.”
Wahab explained that the State Government can no longer continue to watch the styrofoam food packs clogging the drainage channels.
He said it is irresponsible for the government to sit and fold its hands because the cost of clearing those packs from tertiary, secondary and primary drainages continuously is extremely expensive.
He said the Ministry would continue with the ongoing advocacy campaign in the print, electronic and social media in order to ensure that the message is passed to all residents on reasons they should embrace the ban and the need to transit from styrofoam to multiple use containers.
The Commissioner appealed to the association to collaborate with the government to save the environment from the menace of styrofoam by generating substitutes for the takeaway packs and trays for their businesses and propagating the message to all their members and customers.
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He added that all other Single Use Plastics would be banned before the year runs out, but there would be windows for deliberations with all stakeholders before they are phased out.
Wahab said the representatives should endeavour to ensure that the information is adequately communicated to all their members.
In his response, a member of the Restaurant and Food Services Proprietor Association of Nigeria and Group Managing Director of SPAR Supermarket, Haresh Keswani, said it became important for the Association to meet with the Commissioner for clarification on the ban, adding that they would continue to support the government to protect the environment from all forms of infractions.
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