Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, has called for the use of biodegradable and compostable packaging materials by food processing companies, as an eco-friendly option, for a sustainable environment.
He made the call at the 11th edition of the PROPAK West Africa 2024: Smart Packaging Conference, held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Unlocking Nigeria Food Security: Implementation of Smart Packaging to Reduce Waste”, the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, underscored the role of food packaging and processing industries in driving economic growth, charging the industry players to shape the future of the industry to an eco-friendly one.
He said, “The industries represented here today are integral to Nigeria’s economy. They form the backbone of our industrial and manufacturing sectors, supporting various key areas such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and fast-moving consumer goods. The development of these industries is vital to ensuring our national growth and competitiveness in the global market.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the central themes of the conference, which focused on implementing sustainable packaging to reduce food waste and exploring cross-sectoral responsibilities in the plastics industry,were crucial for Nigeria’s economic stability, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of the citizenry.
“Packaging for food security is a national priority as Nigeria continues to grow in both population and economic ambition. Despite our rich agricultural resources, we still face significant post-harvest losses due to inadequate processing, packaging, and storage. In fact, it is estimated that up to 40% of food produced in Nigeria is lost before it reaches the consumer”, he stated.
He urged stakeholders to embrace sustainable packaging technologies with urgency, stressing the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to manage plastics responsibly and drive innovations that protect the environment.
“I encourage every stakeholder here to embrace the themes of this year’s event with urgency and determination. We must actively seek out ways to implement smart packaging technologies that ensure food security and reduce waste. We must collaborate across sectors to manage plastics responsibly and push forward innovations that protect both our economy and our environment”, he remarked.
In his presentation at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, highlighted the immense global challenge of food loss and waste, which he noted was a significant contributor to environmental degradation and resource wastage, in regions like Africa, where food security was still an issue.
He said, “According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), roughly one-third of the annual food produced globally for human consumption—approximately 1.3 billion tonnes—is lost or wasted. These losses are particularly unfortunate in Africa, where approximately 20 percent of the population is undernourished.”
Gbadegesin outlined the proactive steps of Lagos State Government to address plastic waste issues and to promote sustainable packaging solutions, including the recent ban on single-use plastics, as part of the state’s broader strategy to reduce negative environmental impact.
He said “On the 22nd of January 2024, the Lagos State Government announced a ban on the usage and distribution of styrofoam packs and other single-use plastics, as part of efforts to shift the food industry towards a more sustainable practices. Also, in February 2024, Lagos State amplified the need for sensitization of our Food Systems’ Champions on modern ways of packaging, storage, and transportation of agro-produce”.
Speaking further, the LAWMA boss x-rayed various innovative packaging solutions that could transform the food industry, stressing that sustainable packaging was not only about protecting products but also about safeguarding the environment, necessitating a shift from conventional plastics use, which posed severe environmental hazards.
According to him, “Innovative sustainable packaging must meet all requirements for product safety, waste prevention, shelf life, hygiene, and health. Plastic packaging waste raises the biggest concerns on environmental impact, with 40% of disposable food packaging ending up in ways that negatively affect the environment, such as landfilling and microplastics”, he noted.
He further highlighted several sustainable packaging options, including bioplastics, biodegradable films, and plant-based packaging materials, emphasising their role in a circular economy, where packaging does not burden the environment but rather harmonises with it, pointing out the effectiveness of the solutions, particularly in reducing waste and enhancing product shelf life.
He contended that the eco-friendly solutions were not just environmentally beneficial but also aligned with consumer preferences and market trends, adding that a significant portion of consumers now prefer brands that engage in environmentally responsible practices, creating new opportunities for businesses that adopt sustainable packaging.
He said “Statistics show that 45% of customers prefer engaging with environmentally responsible brands such as those that offer eco-friendly food packaging solutions. Out of these consumers, 44% claimed that they would rather settle with a brand that supports recycling and food waste reduction.
“As we navigate the path toward a greener future, biodegradable packaging remains a pivotal solution for a sustainable world. It offers businesses a chance to enhance their reputation while minimising environmental impact, particularly in waste management and landfill diversion”, he concluded.
Also speaking, the Director-General of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi, noted that the event was a potential avenue to creating a great future where everyone would have access to nutritious food and smart packaging, adding that the organisation was committed to prioritising the interest of consumers.
Other speakers were: Vice president, World Packaging Organisation, Mr. Kofi Essuman, Regional Director Afrocet Montgomery, George Pearson, President African Packaging Organisation, Ahmed Omeh, among others.
For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
The Lagos State Government on Sunday emphasized the importance of good sanitation practices amongst all residents in order to ensure a clean, flood free, safe and sustainable environment across the state.
The emphasis was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab during the Weekly Community Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign held at Omobokun Street, Ekimogun Underbridge Iyana Oworo, Bariga Local Council Development Area adding that all residents must make good sanitation practices a daily affair.
He said the Weekly Community Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign was introduced to promote good sanitation practices amongst residents before the formal commencement of the monthly Sanitation Exercise.
“What we are trying to do is to ramp up sensitization and advocacy before the formal commencement of the monthly environmental Sanitation which will soon be announced by the Governor,” he said.
He mentioned that some houses in the area have been investigated and were found to have channelled their septic tanks into the drainages and some have built their fences on the drainage channels adding that these houses will soon be sealed by the appropriate Agency.
He implored residents to support Government effort through regular cleaning of the drainages in front of their houses and desist from the unwholesome act of illegal waste disposal saying it is expedient for everyone to take ownership of all infrastructure provided by the government.
On the issue of flooding experienced in the area, Wahab said government will reassess the claims by the community members that the sandfilling carried out at Oworo end is responsible for the flooding incidents encountered in the Ekimogun area, adding that government is determined to proffer a lasting solution to flooding in the area.
He maintained that the environmental advocacy campaign has been effective as the communities earlier visited at the commencement of the advocacy programme have been revisited and these communities have sustained the clean up and the communities are cleaner and healthier.
Wahab encouraged residents to embrace Good Environmental Habits stressing that this would reduce the burden on the health sector and ensure the effects are positive on the infrastructure provided by government.
The Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, Honourable Kolade Alabi while speaking, said that Governor Sanwo-Olu commissioned the Ekimogun Road but it was disheartening that the road is in a sorry state because of the unsanitary attitude of residents.
“We the residents of Bariga must therefore stop littering our roads and canals with wastes, we must bag our wastes in our respective homes and always patronise the PSP” he said.
He said the government is determined to ensure the Environment is always Clean and as such every house in Bariga must own a bin which would be made available by the government at a reasonable amount.
The Managing Director Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) informed that Bariga Local Government has been identified as one of the Local Council Development Areas that will accommodate a recycling facility adding that the Waste to Wealth facility will reduce illegal waste disposal in the area.
He enjoined all residents to collaborate with the government to ensure that Lagos is free of garbage saying that waste bins will soon be made available to tenements in Bariga.
In her response, the Senior Special Assistant on Environmental Health, Bariga Local Government, Hon. Suliat Oguns pledged the support of people of the Bariga Community saying the community residents would ensure that waste is properly disposed and infrastructure provided by the State Government will be effectively utilised.
Get Waste Bin for a Clean Environment – LAWMA boss tells Lagosians
…says smart bins will revolutionalise waste management in the state
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has charged Lagos residents to acquire waste bins for domestic storage of waste, to promote a clean home and sustainable environment.
He gave the charge at LAWMA headquarters, Ijora Olopa, on Tuesday, during the demonstration of evacuation of LAWMA smart bins, by waste evacuation trucks.
Gbadegesin stated that the introduction of the smart bins in the state’s waste management system, was a game changer, as it would quicken the process of waste collection by assigned PSP operators.
He said, “The smart bin has added features that improves the functionality. For example, this smart bin has a RFID chain that will enable us to know when it is emptied by the PSP operators. With this bin, we are able to know if they are working, so that we can use that to monitor and assess their performance”.
“The smart bin is geolocated to a specific residence. That means when you buy the smart bin, we deliver it to a house and pin it to that house. So forever, the bin is associated with that house. If it is stolen, we can track it, tell where the bin is, and monitor it remotely in our control room. The bins are not only smart but also durable. It has a 15-year warranty. So it gives comfort to every resident, and it’s good quality for money,” he added.
He noted that the durability and ability to track the location of the bin, set it apart from the traditional waste bins, adding that the smart bins were colour coded, to encourage waste separation and recycling among residents.
“Getting this bin means you have now come into the new waste management system we are developing in the state. We have two types of bins: the green one for general waste and the blue for recycling. If you have the recycling bin, there is an opportunity for you to get incentives for the recyclables that you collect”, he enthused.
“I urge every Lagosian to embrace this innovation. It’s 2024, and with Artificial intelligence and other innovations, Lagos can’t afford to be left behind. If you want to be part of the new Lagos, you need to get this smart bin. It will help us achieve our shared goal of keeping Lagos clean”, he stressed.
He appealed to the populace to imbibe the innovative initiatives introduced by the Authority to improve waste management in the state, urging them to shun indiscriminate dumping and engage the services of assigned PSP operators.
For more information on LAWMA’s initiatives, please visit www.lawma.gov.ng or call our toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617.
Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.) Director, Public Affairs 30/07/2024
…Govt to build waste-to-energy plants at Olusosun, Epe and Badagry
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, has unveiled plans to radically improve the waste management system in the state, at a Waste to Energy Summit themed, “Driving Environmental Sustainability”.
The event, organised by Rack Centre in partnership with the NYSC Community Development Service (CDS), at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, brought together key stakeholders to discuss sustainable solutions to waste management challenges.
In his keynote address, Wahab, who was represented by the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasised the need for proper dumpsite management to mitigate environmental hazards.
“When Olusosun was established, it was actually on the outskirts, but development caught up with it. There’s a lot of pressure on solid waste management, which is why we are working on reducing the amount of waste dumped on the Olusosun landfill through recycling initiatives,” he explained.
He further outlined LAWMA’s strategic plans to transform waste management in the state, by focusing more on recycling, introducing various initiatives such as development of compost and biogas plants, to reduce the volume of waste going to landfills.
“We are working on developing composting and biogas plants on the site. The future state is that we are going to decommission the Olusosun landfill; we are already in the process. Decommissioning the dumpsite is necessary to address long-term environmental and health impacts. In doing this, we are going to comply with international best practices”, he stressed.
Dr. Gbadegesin also announced plans to establish waste-to-energy plants across the state, “Waste-to-energy plants will be established at the Epe dumpsite. The plan is to have three waste-to-energy plants in the state at Badagry, Epe, and Olusosun. We are exploring other alternatives to be used as landfills since we are working on shutting down the Olusosun landfill.”
Dolapo Olaoluwa, the convener of the summit and a serving corps member, said he envisioned a gathering of key stakeholders to discuss solutions to the challenges posed by the Olusosun dumpsite and other waste management issues, as a way of contributing meaningfully to the community where he was serving.
Mr. Adetayo Odusole, Head Sustainability Coordination, Rack Centre, expressed their enthusiasm for sponsoring the event, noting that Rack Centre was pleased to support the initiative as it aligned with their goals of achieving a sustainable environment in the state, emphasising that achieving this required a collective effort.
Other speakers at the summit included: Ezekiel Egboye, Founding Executive and Chief Operating Officer, Rack Centre; Jide Onakoya, Chief Operating Officer, Elektron; Professor Emmanuel O. Ogolo, Professor of Atmospheric Physics (represented); Dr. Victor Abimbola Onifade, senior lecturer of Urban and Regional Planning; Olaide Ayodele-Taiwo; Assistant Chief Scientific Officer at the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA); and Yetunde Baderinwa, NYSC State Coordinator, Lagos State.
High point of the event was a panel discussion, where the stakeholders and experts discussed sustainable solutions to waste management challenges in the state.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has welcomed new graduate interns to the July edition of its internship program, aimed at promoting waste management education among the younger generation.
Managing Director and CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, speaking about the program, emphasised the importance of engaging young minds in the business of creating a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos environment, especially as the state tackles cholera outbreak.
He said, “Our internship program is designed to equip the younger generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective waste management and environmental preservation. At LAWMA, we believe education is key to achieving our aim of entrenching proper waste management as a lifestyle”.
Dr. Gbadegesin noted that the hands-on experience provided by LAWMA would enable the interns to understand the complexities and challenges of waste management operations, adding that the training would help them become environmental stewards, positively influencing others.
“Our interns will be exposed to various aspects of LAWMA’s operations, from waste collection and disposal to recycling and public education campaigns. With these, they will gain practical insights and develop innovative solutions to waste management issues”, he stated.
The Director of LAWMA Academy, Training and Development, Mrs. Bola Adewunmi, who welcomed the new set of graduate interns, briefed them on the nature of the four-week program, which included theoretical lessons, practical sessions, and field visits, for exposure to the fundamentals of waste management and diverse LAWMA operations.
In a related development, the academy has extended its environmental cleanliness education drive to schools in Agege and Ajeromi Ifelodun local government areas, teaching the pupils, basic waste management practices, recycling, fostering a positive relationship with the environment, and the negative impact of banned Styrofoam packs.
For more information about LAWMA’s initiatives and how to support efforts to maintain a clean environment, please visit www.lawma.gov.ng or call our toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617.
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has urged Lagos residents to make clean environment a permanent habit that goes beyond occasions and festivities.
He said this in a release by the agency where he congratulated the Muslim faithful on successfully completing the Ramadan fast, leading to the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Fitri.
Gbadegesin noted that personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness formed integral teachings of Islam, that should become permanent features of our daily living beyond the Ramadan period.
He said, “Islam teaches cleanliness at the personal level, at home and the environment. Islam abhors filth and dirtiness anywhere around us. I appeal that we make this great teaching a permanent feature of our daily lives and living. Whatever we put into the environment is what it will give back. Therefore, let us maintain good hygiene at the domestic front as well as the larger environment, all for our own good”.
While wishing them happy celebrations, he urged them to shun reckless waste disposal at street corners, road medians, side walks, black spots and other unauthorised locations, warning that LAWMA enforcement personnel had been mobilised, to apprehend defaulters for immediate prosecution.
The LAWMA boss assured that PSP operators would continue to work optimally, while the agency would provide backup services in areas that require such, urging motorists to drive with caution, to ensure safety of sanitation workers on major roads during the festivities.
He further appealed to residents to contact LAWMA customer care, to report service gaps for quick intervention.
As the Easter season approaches, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has underscored the significance of ensuring a clean and sustainable environment, through responsible waste management practices.
Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, in a statement released on Friday, called on residents to shun indiscriminate waste disposal and embrace recycling as integral components of their Easter festivities.
He said,”Easter symbolizes joy and renewal, but it also serves as a reminder of our duty to preserve the environment for future generations. LAWMA implores all residents to prioritize sustainable waste management practices during this festive period. By minimizing waste generation and actively participating in recycling efforts, we can collectively contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.”
“It is also important to highlight the need for residents to avoid food wastage and use only materials that can be reused, recycled, or repurposed, to minimize environmental impact. The Easter festivities provide an excellent opportunity for individuals and communities to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability”, he stressed.
The LAWMA boss encouraged residents to make use of designated waste collection points and recycling facilities across Lagos State, adding that the Authority would continue to sensitise the populace on proper waste management during and after the celebration.
He said, “As part of our ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability, LAWMA has launched several initiatives aimed at encouraging recycling and waste reduction. These include community cleanup drives, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with local businesses and organisations. By working together and engaging in recycling practices, we can create a cleaner, healthier environment for all”.
While wishing Lagos residents a happy Easter celebration, he urged them to bag and containerise their waste, for fast and seamless evacuation by assigned PSP operators. He assured that the Authority would provide backup services to complement efforts of PSPs, urging motorists to drive with caution to safeguard the lives of sanitation workers carrying out their duties during this period.
For waste management related inquiries, call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617 or send an email to info@lawma.gov.ng.
The Lagos State Government and a Ghana Waste Management company JONSPONG on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to treat solid and liquid in the state.
The MOU which was initialled by the Commissioner Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab and Executive Chairman JOSPONG Group, Dr Joseph Agyepong will amongst other things establish a Material Recovery Facility to reduce downstream pressure (waste disposal volume) at landfills.
The MOU will also involve putting in place Compact /Mobile Transfer loading stations to replace current stationary plants and reduce waste at pressure points such as markets.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab noted that the signing of the MOU is a major milestone in the journey towards transforming the landscape of waste management in Lagos State.
He said the challenges of solid and liquid waste management in a rapidly growing megacity like Lagos with its vibrant population, bustling markets, and dynamic industries, generates substantial amounts of waste that requires innovative, sustainable management solutions.
He said it is the responsibility of Government, as a steward of the city’s future, to address these challenges head-on.
Wahab said the partnership with the Jospong Group, a leader in environmental and waste management services in Africa, represents a great leap in government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Lagosians through effective waste management.
“As we gather to sign this Memorandum of Understanding between the Lagos State Government and the Jospong Group of Ghana; we are not just signing a document; we are inaugurating a partnership that embodies our shared vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos” he said.
The Commissioner said the 2 bodies will develop integrated solid and liquid waste management facilities that will not only meet the current needs of the city but also anticipate the demands of the growing population.
He mentioned that the collaboration will focus on the pillars of technology, advocacy, enforcement, and the promotion of circular economy innovations such as recycling, composting, reuse, and waste-to-energy projects saying these efforts are crucial to reducing the environmental footprint of waste, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable development in Lagos.
He restated that the journey to effective and efficient waste management in the State requires dedication, innovation, and collaboration adding that when managed wisely it will contribute to the economic and environmental health of the city.
Earlier in his remarks, Executive Chairman, Jospong Group of Companies, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong said the problem of environmental Sanitation is not a matter of convenience but a cornerstone of public health as stipulated by the Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 of Clean Water & Sanitation.
He added that regrettably, millions of the citizens continue to suffer due to inadequate access to infrastructure, proper sanitation facilities, and water treatment facilities.
He said according to a report by the Lagos State Waste Management Agency,(LAWMA) the State produces approximately 13,000 tons of waste per day and the focus mainly by Jospong is on downstream Waste Management and not Waste collection.
He assured upstream operators ie. waste collectors that plans are in place to support them with equipment to make their work much more effective and efficient.
He promised to provide 2000 Tricycles to support the Association of Waste Managers in Lagos on waste collection.
He added that the collaboration will be done with the Lagos State Government, through its parastatals Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) with the aim to see an overall improvement in waste management in Lagos State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji, noted that Lagos as the commercial nerve center of Nigeria experiences influx of migrants with consequences like over-population, increasing environmental pollution, waste problem amongst others which have become matters of serious concern to this Administration.
“With the Memorandum of Understanding we are signing today, I believe it is a new dawn for the City of Lagos and in no time we will have issues related to solid waste management becoming a history. I very much look forward to seeing fruits of our collaboration, for a clean and healthier Lagos” he said
Also present at the event were Lagos State Commissioners for Justice and Attorney General, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi as well as Chairman House Committee on Environment, Hon Taiwo Afinnih and Chairman Committee on Environment Parastatal, Hon Rasheed Shabi and Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Mr.Abdulkabir Ogungbo and several other stakeholders from Ghana and the financial sector.
The city of Lagos, with its ever-increasing population and bustling economic activities, faces significant environmental challenges. With the ever-growing influx of people from all over the country into Lagos daily in search for greener pasture, coupled with the volume of businesses, manufacturing, trading activities and human movements around the state, it is understandable that its environmental challenges would be humongous and multidimensional.
Dirty markets, littered streets, blocked drainages due to indiscriminate waste disposal and plastic wastes and homeless miscreants squatting all around the state bridges, would readily have been the disgusting optics in the absence of proactive management and control.
However, the state government, particularly the current administration, is sparing no efforts in its renewed bid to safeguard the environment and ensure a clean and healthy city for residents to live and thrive.
Lagos, which has a population of over 20 million is projected to hit 32.6 million by 2050, and over 80 million by 2100, according to Global Cities Institute at the University of Toronto.
As the state evolves into a full-scale modern city befitting of its status, the government cannot afford to do less or rest on its oars. In fact, all residents and stakeholders must join hands with in the fight to maintain a conducive environment critical for sustainable living.
Just recently, in a bold move to halt further environmental violation in the area, the Lagos State Government dislodged scores of illegal squatters and miscreants residing under Ijora Bridge.
The commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab had reiterated that the exercise was aimed at addressing issues of gross environmental abuse, perpetrated by the illegal squatters, adding that the government would leave no stone unturned in restoring sanity to the environment across the metropolis.
At the core of the campaign for a clean and healthy environment is Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, the government agency which plays a crucial role in both the proactive and daily management of environmental issues in the state, as well as enforcements against recalcitrant violators through its enforcement team.
Earlier in January, residents woke up to the cheering news of a total ban on the usage and distribution of styrofoam packs and other single use plastics by the government.
The decision had followed the menace which the single use plastics, especially the non-biodegradable styrofoam was causing on the environment, as most drainage channels in the state are daily clogged, with a larger chunk of littering across major roads and markets attributed to same Styrofoam, despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous resources.
Furthermore, Oke-Afa, Isolo and Katangua Markets, in the Abule Egba area, were also sealed in January for violating waste disposal regulations and for sundry unhygienic practices, constituting grave environmental infractions.
Wahab had charged that: “The government has not jettisoned its zero tolerance for waste and the only way for markets and traders, is to engage in decent and civilised waste disposal practices as outlined by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) as any market or facility that runs foul will face sanctions”.
Last November, the government reopened the Mushin main market, Ojuwoye, Awolowo, Irepodun and Daleko markets in the densely populated Mushin area of the state, after the traders made amends to correct widespread environmental infractions, including indiscriminate waste dumping.
Mile 12 international, Owode Onirin and Oyingbo markets were all also not spared last October as they were all sealed but reopened only after complying with environmental standards as stipulated by the government.
Similarly, an Environmental Special Offences Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, last November handed down fines and community service penalties, to over 100 environmental offenders, found guilty of indiscriminate waste disposal, across the state.
The presiding magistrate underscored the gravity of the offences and impact on the environment, subsequently imposing a fine of ₦30,000 on each offender, with an option of six hours of community service, in designated areas like the General Hospital, Odan, and Tinubu Market in Lagos Island.
Beyond shutting markets and punishing violators, dialogue, awareness and other engagements, have also been well explored by the government and its core environmental agencies especially LAWMA.
Determined to instil a positive environmental consciousness in the younger generation, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), last November, went on a sensitisation mission to pupils of Otto Primary School, Otto, Lagos Mainland, on proper waste management, with emphasis on recycling, as a source of personal revenue.
The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who led the team, addressed the pupils on the importance of proper waste management, noting that the exercise was part of the Authority’s environmental sustainability initiatives, to instill responsible waste management practices in children.
He said; “I am glad to be among you all today. In LAWMA you mean so much to us and that is why we have deemed it fit to visit your school first, being the closest to us here in Otto. Diseases like malaria, diarrhoea and the like, thrive in environments that are unkempt and polluted with activities like littering, reckless waste dumping, and open defecation and so on. To avoid all of these, it behoves you to do what is right by disposing of your waste properly into the waste bins’’, he stressed.
As the 3-week moratorium before the enforcement of total ban on styrofoam packs endures, LAWMA has held a consultative meeting with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), where it discussed ways of implementing sustainable waste management strategies, in view of the latest developments.
Addressing the stakeholders, managing director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin reiterated the Authority’s commitment to the Lagos State Government’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, stressing that the state government had to ban Styrofoam to protect the environment and safeguard public health.
Gbadegesin, said the Authority would continue to place premium on establishing a cleaner and healthier environment, promising to continue to identify and address environmental challenges across the state, and to work tirelessly, to make Lagos a cleaner, more sustainable city.
On the overall, the government’s holistic approach signals a responsible, coordinated and proactive leadership in the state, helping to assure of conducive environment for all and sundry and preventing environmental disasters caused by poor hygiene and related habits.
No serious government should allow actions that can jeopardise citizens health and safety, and the state government has shown through its continued actions, that it could walk the talk and would not hesitate to take decisive measures to protect the environment and safeguard lives and properties of over 22 million residents.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority, (LAWMA) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), have met to discuss ways of implementing sustainable waste management strategies, following the recent ban on usage of styrofoam packs in the state.
Addressing the stakeholders, managing director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin reiterated the Authority’s commitment to the Lagos State Government’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, stressing that the state government had to ban styrofoam to protect the environment and safeguard public health.
He said: “It is necessary to establish that lack of access to a good environment, lack of awareness about the dangers of some of the items we make use of to consume food causes a lot of damage to our health. It is high time we faced the reality and choose only what is right and healthy for the people. Here in LAWMA, we are open to collaborations as long as it is for the good of the people, we will continue to support the Lagos State Government’s effort at entrenching policies that promote environmental sustainability and public health”, he noted.
“It is not right to place narrow business interest of a few individuals above the larger challenge of public interest. So styrofoam has to go”, he concluded.
Earlier in his opening address, the immediate past chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Engr. Frank Onyegbu, noted that the meeting was convened to be on the same page with the Lagos State government on matters of the environment, adding that a bold step was being taken by the association in providing alternatives, with the current implementation of the ban of Styrofoam products.
He said: “To ensure that we are not caught up with the current situation in future, we will not wait till the government announces further ban on other products we are manufacturing. To achieve this, we will take a cursory look at how our products affect the environment and make adjustments, where necessary.
“Going forward, with the present leadership of LAWMA, we are optimistic of a quality partnership with the Authority. We will work together with them to ensure we achieve a cleaner and healthier Lagos”, Onyegbu added.
The meeting had in attendance, management staff of LAWMA, representatives of plastic production companies in Lagos and members of MAN.
In a related development, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab hosted representatives of the National Association of Supermarkets and Operators of Nigeria (NASON), where he noted that the ban on styrofoam packs should be viewed from the larger picture of public interest.
He stated further that Abia State had also banned styrofoam packs, underscoring the inherent dangers it posed, adding that the decision to ban styrofoam and other single-use plastics, had been taken at the National Council on Environment in 2021, with a three-year window for commencement of enforcement in 2024.
The Commissioner averred that at the expiration of the current three-week window given to distributors and sellers to mop the products in circulation, the state would commence enforcement of the ban, promising that it would be carried out in a civil but firm manner.
He submitted that all other single-use plastics (SUPs) would be banned before the year ends, adding that there would be windows for deliberations with all stakeholders before a total phase-out.
Wahab also urged manufacturers to be more innovative about coming up with substitutes to single-use plastics just as many countries including the massively populated India, have successfully done away with styrofoam, despite its reputation of being the country with the largest concentration of eating-out points.
It will be recalled that the Lagos State government recently banned the use and production of styrofoam packs, due to its immense adverse effects on the environment.
