Lagos bans single-use plastics, styrofoam

The Lagos government has announced a ban on the usage and distribution of styrofoam and other single-use plastics across the state.

Single-use plastic products (SUPs) are often used once, or for a short period of time, before being disposed. Scientists say the impacts of SUPs waste on the environment and on health can be drastic.

Styrofoam is a trademarked brand of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) used for building insulation on walls, roofs, and foundations. They provide thermal insulation and are used as water barriers.

Styrofoam is also used to manufacture disposable plates commonly found at eateries or used by caterers.

Announcing the ban of the products on X on Sunday, Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources in Lagos, said single-use plastics have become a menace in a densely populated city.

He also said the ban takes immediate effect.

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“Following the menace which single-use plastics especially non-biodegradable Styrofoam are causing on the environment, the Lagos State government through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources is hereby announcing a ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics in the State with immediate effect,” Wahab wrote.

SUPs and styrofoam products often clog drainage channels and canals in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital and most populous city.