Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area (LGA) has called on residents to take urgent action against plastic pollution to protect their environment and health.
Speaking during a sensitisation programme to mark World Environment Day (WED) on Wednesday, the council chairman, Mr. Oriyomi Hamzat — represented by Vice Chairman Mrs. Oluwatosin Akerele — stressed that plastic waste severely impacts communities.
“Plastic pollution is a serious problem that affects us every day. It clogs our drains, leads to flooding, and harms our neighbourhoods,” Hamzat said.
He appealed to residents, including market women and artisans, to keep their surroundings clean, use eco-friendly materials, and report cases of indiscriminate dumping.
“Let’s work together to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling. It is time to say no to single-use plastics that harm our land and water,” he added.
In his keynote address, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab — represented by Mr. Afolabi Adefemi — emphasized the global and local dangers of plastic pollution.
“Annually, the world produces more than 430 million tonnes of plastic, which is quite alarming, especially considering that a significant portion ends as waste,” Wahab said.
He noted that Lagos faces unique environmental challenges driven by rapid population growth, resulting in increased industrial activities and mounting waste.
Wahab urged Lagosians to embrace alternatives to single-use plastics and support government measures such as the ban on styrofoam and plastic bags below 40 micrometres.
“We must all champion zero waste and build a truly circular economy by switching from single use of plastic to reusable and biodegradable packaging,” he stated.
Both the local and state governments reiterated the importance of community participation in tackling plastic pollution to ensure a sustainable environment.
“The choices we make today will shape the world our children will inherit tomorrow,” Hamzat said, encouraging residents to take pride in their environment and play an active role in preserving it.
Wahab added that the Lagos government, through agencies like the Lagos Waste Management Authority, remains fully committed to addressing these challenges.
“I want to urge us all to heed this clarion call by adopting a renewed sense of purpose, protect our fragile environment, and ensure a sustainable environment for generations unborn through our actions,” he said.
