The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has confiscated styrofoam food packs and other single-use plastics worth N2.5 million during operations in markets and shopping malls across Lagos State over the past week.
The information was disclosed on Tuesday by the Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun, who confirmed that the ban on styrofoam food containers has now been extended to cover single-use plastics.
According to him, “Intelligence reports revealed that some traders in markets and shopping malls have repeatedly ignored government directives.
“As a result, enforcement operations were carried out in Agege, Oshodi, Idunmota, Mushin, Victoria Island, and Lekki markets, leading to the confiscation of banned products.”
The Corps Marshal stressed the dangers of single-use plastics to the environment, highlighting that plastic waste threatens coastal areas and public health in Lagos. He further clarified that banned items include plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and carrier bags made of nylon under 40 microns.
Olatunbosun also reiterated the importance of eliminating all styrofoam food containers and polystyrene cups, noting that these materials are non-biodegradable and have no recycling value.
He warned traders to desist from displaying wares on road setbacks, lay-bys, medians, verges, and gutter slabs, as such practices violate state environmental laws.
“Pedestrians must use designated bridges, and Lagosians should avoid open urination, defecation, and indiscriminate dumping of waste, which blocks drains and hinders stormwater flow,” the Corps Marshal said.