LAGESC Seizes N2.5m Worth Of Banned Styrofoam, Single-Use Plastics In Lagos

The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has confiscated banned styrofoam food packs and single-use plastics valued at N2.5 million during enforcement operations across major markets and shopping malls in the state.

This was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement by the Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun, who reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strict enforcement of the ban.

According to Olatunbosun, while the prohibition of styrofoam had been in effect, the restriction has now been extended to include single-use plastics, in line with the Ministry of Environment’s directive.

He explained that intelligence reports revealed that some traders in markets and shopping complexes had continued to flout the state government’s orders despite repeated warnings.

As a result, enforcement operations were carried out in Agege, Oshodi, Idumota, Mushin, Victoria Island, and Lekki, leading to the seizure of banned products worth millions of naira.

The Corps Marshal stressed the environmental dangers of single-use plastics, noting that the Ministry of Environment’s decision to enforce the ban from July 1 was aimed at safeguarding both public health and the state’s coastal environment.

“Plastic waste poses serious threats to our environment and public health, particularly within Lagos’ coastal communities,” Olatunbosun said.

He further clarified that items captured under the ban include plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and single-use carrier bags—especially those made of nylon with a thickness below 40 microns. This clarification, he said, was necessary to counter misinformation about the policy.

Reiterating the total ban on styrofoam, Olatunbosun emphasized that the disposal of styrofoam food containers and polystyrene cups was unacceptable, as they have no recycling value and are non-biodegradable, thereby causing long-term damage to the environment.

In his closing remarks, the retired Major cautioned traders against selling styrofoam products, single-use plastics, and displaying wares on road setbacks, medians, verges, gutter slabs, and lay-bys, stressing that such practices remain prohibited under Lagos State environmental laws.

He also appealed to pedestrians to make proper use of pedestrian bridges for safety, while warning residents to desist from open urination, defecation, and indiscriminate refuse disposal, which block drainage channels and worsen flooding in the state.