Members of he house of representatives on Wednesday has raised a motion for the federal government to ban the production, distribution and importation of styrofoam and single-user plastics in Nigeria.
They also implored the federal government to compel important agencies such as the Consumer Protection Commission and the others to monitor the quality of the packages used for foods and beverages in the country.
In response to the motion which was moved by moved by the house of Rep member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Kwara State, Mr Muktar Shagaya, the house adopted a title for the motion which is “Need to ban the use and distribution of styrofoam and single-use plastic across the country.”
While raising the motion, he made it known that single-use cups and styrofoam are dangerous to the human health and also harzadous to the environment as well through environmental pollution such as soil, air and waterways pollution.
He said,”Chemical found in styrofoam is linked to health issues, such as cancer, vision and hearing loss, impaired memory and concentration, and nervous system effects. The House is aware that styrofoam is prohibited in Taiwan, Rwanda, England, and many other European countries, together with some towns and states in the United States. Currently, the product is illegal in Lagos and Abia states.
“The House is also aware that alternatives to styrofoam and single-use plastics, such as biodegradable materials, reusable containers, and recyclable packaging, can reduce environmental impact and public health risks.”
He also made it known as well that that the provisions of Section 20 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), place a responsibility on the Federal Government to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations, and ensure the health and well-being of its citizens. Therefore he urged the federal government to do the needful now rather than later.
It is to be recalled that the earlier this year, the Lagos state government had placed a ban on the manufacturing and distribution of single-use cups and styrofoams in the state. This law was communicated to the public by state’s commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
Another movement against the use of single-use cups and styrofoams in Nigeria was made earlier this year by an organisation called the Joint Action for Good Governance, the civil society organisation implored the federal government to implement a law that will ban the growing use of single-use cups and styrofoams in the country as there are so many health risks associated to it’s usage.