Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on residents to support efforts towards proper plastic waste management in the metropolis, as part of a drive to promote a safer, cleaner, and healthier environment. The governor highlighted the global and local challenges of mismanaged plastic waste, which often finds its way into drains, rivers, and oceans, posing a threat to humanity.
Speaking at an event held at the Epe Recreation Centre to commemorate World Environment Day (WED), the governor, represented by the Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr Ibrahim Odumboni, emphasized the need for effective plastic waste management. He stated that Nigeria generates approximately 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, including about 60 million sachet water bags and single-use shopping bags produced daily. Sanwo-Olu expressed concern that these figures were likely to worsen due to population growth and increased demand for plastic.
Under the WED 2023 theme, “Solutions to Plastic Pollution,” the governor aimed to raise awareness about environmental preservation and the growing global threat posed by plastics, which impacts Sustainable Development Goals 11, 12, 14, and 15.
Lagos State alone generates around 870,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year, accounting for about 15 percent of the total waste generated in the state. To tackle this issue, the governor highlighted various initiatives launched by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and its agencies to mitigate the challenges of plastic waste management.
One of the interventions mentioned was the introduction of Recycling Banks in Government Residential Estates, schools, communities, and markets. This initiative followed a successful pilot project at the state secretariat complex in Alausa. Furthermore, the Ministry initiated the community recyclable management program, which was inaugurated in Ifako-Ijaye LGA in March 2023.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of collective responsibility in finding sustainable solutions to the plastic waste menace, urging citizens to join hands with the government to make Lagos State a safe, cleaner, and healthier environment. He acknowledged that mitigating the generation of plastic waste in the state would be a daunting task, but expressed confidence that with continued collaboration, the target of protecting the environment could be achieved.
In his welcome address, Gaji Omobolaji, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, urged Lagos residents to ensure the state remains free of plastic waste, particularly during the rainy season. He emphasized the need to prevent plastic from clogging drains and causing environmental hazards.
The World Environment Day lecture, titled “Plastic: From Problem to Solutions,” was delivered by Mr Lasisi Adedoyin, the Director of the Environmental Impact Assessment Unit, Environmental Assessment Department, Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. The lecture aimed to shed light on the challenges posed by plastic waste and explore potential solutions to address the issue.
Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded the event by reiterating the transformative impact that could be achieved through collective efforts and commitment. He called for the creation of a safe, cleaner, and healthy sustainable environment where everyone can flourish.
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