The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, called on residents of the state to collaborate with the government to ensure a sustainable solution to plastic pollution in the state.
The governor said such collaboration would help the state to achieve its target of protecting the environment which, according to him, is a common heritage.
Speaking at the 2023 World Environment Day held in Alausa, Sanwo-Olu noted that about 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually in Nigeria, which includes the daily production of about 60 million sachet water bags and single-use shopping bags.
He added that the situation may worsen as the population grows from 220 million to the projected 401 million by the end of 2050.
General Manager, of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, has expressed concerns over the careless handling of plastics, warning that it might result in pollution, which may cause cancer and cardiovascular illnesses.
She stressed that there is a need for people to start considering how plastic pollution affects human health beyond its impact on the environment.
The LASEPA GM said this on Wednesday at a webinar organised by the PUNCH Media Foundation in commemoration of World Environment Day 2023.
Speaking on the theme: ‘Plastic Pollution in Nigeria: Innovations and Solutions for a Sustainable Future’, Dr. Fasawe noted that plastic pollution can destroy the whole ecosystem and lead to death if not properly disposed of.
