Sodiq Ojuroungbe Despite the ban on the use of styrofoam containers for food packaging in Lagos by the state government, PUNCH Healthwise’s findings have revealed how some night food vendors in different parts of the state ignored the ban and continue to use single-use plastics. A recent investigation by our correspondent revealed that some food vendors operating at night, particularly those selling popular street foods like rice, and noodles, among others, were still using styrofoam containers to package food for their customers. PUNCH Healthwise recently visited some places in Ikeja, Oshodi, Surulere, and Mushin where it was discovered that some of these night food vendors, who set up their stalls and carts on street corners have found ways to bypass the ban.
A food vendor at Opebi, Ikeja In January, the state government announced its decision to ban the use and distribution of styrofoam and other single-use plastics across the state. https://healthwise.punchng.
com/lagos-bans-use-of-styrofoam-single-use-plastics/ The decision was reached following the menace that single-use plastics, especially non-biodegradable styrofoam, were noted to be causing in the environment. The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that the campaign against environmental vandalism would start with the ban on polystyrene (popularly known as Styrofoam), microbeads, carrier bags, plastic spoons, straws, and disposable cups because they do not have recycla.