The Commissioner, represented by the General Manager, Lagos Wastewater Management Office, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi explained that the programme is being held simultaneously at the five divisions of Lagos with the theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution”, focused on combating plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution.

He added that the theme draws attention to the core objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12, 14 and 15, which include reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse while promoting responsible consumption as well as production and protecting marine life and preserving terrestrial biodiversity.

He said plastic waste clogs waterways, litters the streets and seeps into the ocean, saying two-thirds of these plastics are short-lived products that become waste and fill the ocean while eventually finding their way into the human food chain. 

He said the need to unite to break addiction to plastics is now, adding that everyone must champion zero waste and build a truly circular economy by switching from single-use plastic to reusable and biodegradable packaging.

He said it is crucial to recognise that a piece of plastic takes about 500 to 1000 years to decompose, and this contributes to long-term environmental degradation, while the resultant effect on the environment has become alarming and can no longer be ignored.

He said the Ministry remains fully committed alongside its sister agencies and in line with its statutory responsibilities, is leaving no stone unturned in addressing these challenges by launching several initiatives such as the Environmental Education Advocacy/Awareness programme. 

He recalled that to demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the present administration in this direction, the Ministry has placed a ban on the use of Styrofoam Packages and Plastic Bags of less than 40 micrometres. 

He urged everyone to heed the clarion call by adopting a renewed sense of purpose and protect the fragile environment as well as ensure a sustainable environment for the generation unborn through their actions.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Tajudeen Gaji noted that the goal of the present administration is to create a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Lagos where public health outcomes are improved by the quality of the environment. 

The Permanent Secretary, who spoke through the Director of Research in the State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Mrs. Warees Sholanke, said plastic pollution poses a serious health risk, blocking drainages and precipitating flooding, which increases the spread of waterborne diseases. 

He added that the burning of plastics releases toxic fumes that pollute the air and compromise respiratory health, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. According to him, the private sector must invest in sustainable production and responsible waste disposal. 

The programme climaxed with an award ceremony, which was given to the three cleanest streets in the division.

The celebration, which started on Tuesday, also featured a walk for nature and a clean-up exercise across the five divisions of the state.

*Unedited.