The Lagos State government has entered into a partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to combat the detrimental effects of plastic pollution and usher in a regenerative economy in the state.
The commitment to addressing plastic pollution and environmental preservation was underscored during a sensitisation workshop organised by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and UNIDO. The general manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi declared a war against styrofoam plates, a significant contributor to environmental pollution.
Ajayi emphasised the necessity of strict enforcement of environmental laws, stating, “When people see that you shut down a place for flouting environmental laws, other people sit up and learn from it and be forced to adjust by doing the right thing”.
He specifically addressed the ban on styrofoam plates, outlining a plan for comprehensive advocacy followed by rigorous enforcement. The strategy involves attaching a supply chain to styrofoam plates, including confiscation of existing stocks, shutting down factories producing them, and imposing penalties. Ajayi believes this approach will drive up the price of styrofoam plates, making reusable plastics more attractive to the public.
Highlighting the broader impact, he stated, “By so doing, we would have fulfilled a very key mandate of promoting a circular economy that we all crave for. So, you reduce the waste, you reuse the waste, and you recycle the ones you are tired of using”.
The assistant director at the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Ms. Jirinsola Olaleye detailed plans to establish recycling centers in Yaba and Lekki Phase One. These centres aim to serve as both drop-off points for plastics and collection centres for recyclers. Advocacy, community involvement and capacity building are integral components of LAWMA’s approach.
Additionally, the project manager at UNIDO, Ms. Nahomi Nishio presented a paper titled “Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains Through Circular Economy Practices”. She urged stakeholders to contribute to sustainable industrial development by adopting circular economy practices for plastic management and resource efficiency.
Circular economy principles, as outlined by UNIDO, involve strengthening plastic value chains, especially recycling capacity, to reduce plastic leakage into the environment. Nishio advocated for ongoing training for waste management officials, informal pickers and companies, emphasising the importance of a continuous “train-the-trainers” approach. Additionally, she highlighted the need for needs assessments for equipment procurement, including scales, bailer machines, digital tech and push bikes.
The collaborative efforts of LASEPA, UNIDO and other stakeholders signal a comprehensive and determined approach to combatting plastic pollution in Lagos State, with a focus on sustainable practices and environmental preservation. The workshop’s outcomes are poised to drive positive change and contribute to the realisation of a circular economy in the region.
