The Lagos State Government has banned the use and distribution of single-use plastics, such as Styrofoam, in the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the declaration in a statement on Sunday released by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.

Adeshina quoted Wahab as saying that the decision was made in response to the environmental threat posed by single-use plastics, particularly non-biodegradable styrofoam, adding that the state’s drainage channels were constantly clogged by the material due to its careless distribution and consumption.

He reinstated that styrofoams accounted for a greater portion of the litter that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority deals with regularly on major roadways and in marketplaces.

Adeshina noted that the Kick Against Indiscipline and the state waste management Authority should clamp down on all styrofoam manufacturing companies and distribution companies in the state to avoid further distribution.

He further advised residents and consumers to adopt the habit of utilising reusable water bottles and food containers for their food and beverages and to shun single-use plastics and styrofoam packaging.