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 the usage of styrofoam packs in the state.
Addressing the stakeholders, the 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 and lack of awareness about the dangers of some of the items we make use of to consume food cause a lot of damage to our health. It is high time we face reality and choose only what is right and healthy for people. Here in LAWMA, we are open to collaborations, and 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 the narrow business interests 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 the 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 on Styrofoam products.
He said, “To ensure that we are not caught up with the current situation in the future, we will not wait till the government announces a 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 the management staff of LAWMA, representatives of plastic production companies in Lagos, and members of MAN.
It will be recalled that the Lagos State government recently banned the use and production of styrofoam packs due to their immense adverse effects on the environment
