The Lagos State Government has turned down suggestions made by environmentalists and other stakeholders in the Waste management sector on the total ban on usage of Styrofoam and other single-user plastics, saying, there is no going back on the outright ban placed on usage and distribution of styrofoam across the state.
It added that the only moratorium which the state is willing to offer all producers and distributors of Styrofoam is to delay commencement of enforcement of the ban by three weeks.
The affirmation was made on Thursday at a consultative meeting of the State with representatives of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN) and Restaurant and Food Services Proprietor Association of Nigeria(REFSPAN) at the Alausa Secretariat.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who spoke on behalf of the state, lamented that enough damage has been done already to the health of the people and Lagos environment.
He stressed that three weeks is enough time for the products already in the state to be exhausted if indeed the stockists are committed.
Wahab reminded everyone that the pronouncement on banning of Styrofoam was made over three years but that no one has tried to enforce the law till now.
“You will all agree with me that for over 3 years this conversation has been ongoing, waiting for when the big bold step of enforcement will be taken”, the commissioner added.
He said the number of lives that have been lost through the effect of the use of styrofoam, the destruction of the ecosystem and aquatic lives as well as the menace brought upon the environment cannot be quantified.
Wahab added that the lives of the residents is far more important than the profit producers set to make for the continuous production of Styrofoam.
The commissioner explained that the rippling effect of Styrofoam on the health care system is enormous stressing that manufacturers appeal to put the ban on hold is like wanting people to take poison for a longer time in order to mitigate their commercial losses.
He maintained that the havoc and destruction caused to public utility by this product during and after the raining season is unimaginable, stressing that if the producers had been responsible enough to respect the law, government will not have to wade into the matter.
According to him, Government is putting a human face to this Ban by giving 3weeks moratorium to producers and entrepreneurs in the hospitality business and must bear in mind that Leadership and Governance involves making tough decisions.
He said producers have a responsibility to the society but none has taken steps to be responsible by conducting an environmental impact assessment before commencement of production for public use.
Wahab said the conversation about other types of single use plastics will continue until a workable solution is reached leading to its ban.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji, noted that the decision to ban the product was reached following the menace caused by the use of Styrofoam in the environment saying the product is not recyclable, and will remain the same after hundred of years.
Gaji added that Styrofoam is hazardous to wild and aquatic life and animals often mistake them for food.
Also, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin said the State Government can no longer continue to watch the Styrofoam pack clogging the drainage channels bearing in mind that the particular plastic product is hazardous to human health.
“It will be irresponsible for government to sit and fold its hands because the cost of clearing those packs from tertiary, secondary and primary drains is very expensive” he added
The representatives of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Okpe Sunday and Restaurant and Food Services Proprietor Association of Nigeria(REFSPAN), Olaoye Kazeem pleaded for leniency and for time to allow Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and RESPAN to use existing stock before enforcement commences.
