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NGO Commends Lagos State Govt Over Ban On Use of Stryfoam, Urges Chicken Republic To Change Its Packaging
A non-governmental organisation that campaigns for increased efforts to protect the environment and mitigate the impact of climate change, Ecosmart Climate Action Initiatives has commended the Lagos State government for imposing a ban on the use of and distribution of single-use plastics, popularly called "take-away" in the State, urging Chicken Republic, others to change their food packaging.
The Lagos state Ministry of Environment and Water Resources had at a consultative meeting with representatives of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Restaurant and Food Services Proprietor Association of Nigeria (REFSPAN) insisted that there is no going back on the total ban of usage and distribution of stryfoam in the State.
Reacting to the development, the founder of Ecosmart Climate Action Initiatives, Miss Sonia Somuvie commended the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his resilience in protecting the environment for human habitation through the phasing out of single-use plastics.
In a statement on Friday, she noted that this singular policy will go a long way in improving the health of all Nigerians.
She said, "This is the first of many possible policy generation and ammendments needed to protect and conserve our environment and wellbeing, especially as it concerns plastics and plastics products.
"This single change is set to improve the health of Nigerians, our environment, water ways, cities, food production and lives (organisms) on land and water.
"While this may seem like a small adjustment, I am overjoyed by the possible ripple effect of this policy accross major cities and possibly, accross the country.
Seeing that, our waste management system is yet to catch up with that of more civilized nations, policies like this would help keep pollution on a tight leash.
"It is my wish that other states would follow this lead and large enterprises like the chicken republic restaurant chain, would review their packaging products ( known for excessive styrofoam use) nationwide and that these policies would be duly enforced."