In a concerted effort to enhance environmental sustainability, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) recently joined forces to implement comprehensive waste management strategies. This collaboration was prompted by the recent prohibition of styrofoam packs in the state, signaling a shared commitment to public health and the preservation of Lagos’ ecological integrity.
The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, addressed stakeholders, reiterating the Authority’s unwavering dedication to the Lagos State Government’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda. Dr. Gbadegesin underscored the pivotal role of the styrofoam ban in protecting the environment and public health. He emphasized the need for mindful choices to ensure the well-being of the populace and affirmed LAWMA’s readiness for collaborative efforts that contribute to environmental sustainability.
“It is imperative that we prioritize public interest over narrow business concerns. Thus, styrofoam has to go,” concluded Dr. Gbadegesin.
In his opening address, Engr. Frank Onyegbu, the immediate past Chairman of MAN, highlighted the proactive stance of the association in providing alternatives and assessing the environmental impact of their products. Onyegbu expressed optimism about a robust partnership with LAWMA, envisioning a future of a cleaner and healthier Lagos.
The meeting, attended by management staff of LAWMA, representatives from plastic production companies in Lagos, and MAN members, served as a platform to align objectives and forge a collaborative path forward.
In a related development, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, engaged representatives from the National Association of Supermarkets and Operators of Nigeria (NASON). Wahab emphasized the broader public interest behind the styrofoam ban, citing its implementation in Abia State and the inherent dangers it poses. He unveiled the decision to ban styrofoam and other single-use plastics, set to commence enforcement in 2024 following a three-week grace period for distributors and sellers.
Commissioner Wahab outlined plans for a complete phase-out of all single-use plastics by the year’s end, with stakeholder deliberations preceding the ban. He called upon manufacturers to innovate substitutes, drawing inspiration from global successes, such as India’s triumph over styrofoam despite its extensive eating-out culture.
The collaborative efforts of LAWMA, MAN, and governmental bodies underscore a collective commitment to a sustainable and environmentally conscious Lagos.