The Lagos State Government is telling everyone that they will stop the use of Styrofoam food containers and single-use plastics by January 2025.
Right now, people have until the end of 2024 to get ready, and after that, the rule will be in full effect.
They made this choice because plastic waste is bad for our planet and our health.
This news was shared by Tokunbo Wahab, the Environment boss, through his team member, Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, at a big meeting in Ikeja.
Kunle Adeshina, who talks about public issues for the ministry, confirmed this on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
“We started stopping Styrofoam from being used on February 12, 2024, after giving a couple of weeks to prepare. For single-use plastics, we gave six months for people to adjust, ending in 2024, and we will fully stop using them by January 2025 after talking to folks involved.” he explained.
Wahab said that stopping plastics is very important because they dirty our water, make the air not so good, and can make people sick. Styrofoam and single-use plastics take a really long time to disappear, so it’s important to stop using them to protect our world.
Also, they are working with businesses to find new things to use instead of Styrofoam and single-use plastics, plus studying new smart ideas.
Wahab knows it might be hard to change, but the state is getting ready to help everyone with the Lagos State Plastic Policy, which makes the change smoother.
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At the big meeting, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, who takes care of environmental tasks, said dealing with plastic is a big problem in Lagos.
He mentioned that stopping Styrofoam and single-use plastics helps a lot, making the place cleaner by keeping plastic waste out of the drains and waterways.
Tajudeen wants everyone to work together for real answers and promises businesses that the government won’t do things that might hurt their growth while promising to keep the place clean.
Professor Funminiyi Adeleke, an expert and previous Law School Head at Lagos State University, said stopping the plastics is important, but it might affect money matters. He suggested making people more aware and finding ways to help businesses and consumers not to struggle during this change.