As an endorsement of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has praised the decision to ban Styrofoam in the state.

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Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the General Manager of LASWA, applauded the move, citing its positive impact on the environment and enhancing water transportation safety.

The pervasive infiltration of Styrofoam into Lagos waterways has been a growing concern, leading to marine pollution, damage to boat engines, and threats to biodiversity in our waterways.

Emmanuel emphasized that beyond its detrimental effects on the environment, Styrofoam poses significant safety hazards to boat users.

He remarked, “The decision to ban Styrofoam aligns with our commitment to creating a safer and more sustainable water transportation system. The adverse consequences of Styrofoam on our waterways cannot be overstated, making this ban a crucial step forward.”

This commendation from LASWA follows the recent announcement by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources regarding the immediate ban on Styrofoam and other single-use plastics in the state. The comprehensive approach to tackling plastic pollution reflects the state government’s determination to foster a cleaner and healthier Lagos.

Emmanuel reiterated the need for a concerted effort to address plastic pollution, stating, “While there is no single solution to plastic pollution, reducing unnecessary plastic use, including banning Styrofoam, is vital. Single-use plastics contribute significantly to plastic waste, adversely affecting our environment. Banning Styrofoam is a commendable step to curb this menace.”

He further emphasized the urgency of ending the throwaway culture, emphasizing that Styrofoam, or polystyrene, is particularly problematic due to its toxicity, difficulty in recycling, and overall unnecessary nature.

The LASWA General Manager expressed the authority’s commitment to supporting and implementing initiatives contributing to a cleaner and safer Lagos environment, applauding Governor Sanwo-Olu for taking decisive steps toward a more sustainable future.