Wednesday, July 2, 2025 - The Lagos State Government has begun full enforcement of its ban on certain categories of single-use plastics (SUPs), specifically those under 40 microns in thickness, effective Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
Announcing the move at a press conference held at the
Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab
reiterated the state’s firm commitment to the policy, stressing there would be
no reversal or further extensions.
“There will
be no going back on the July 1, 2025 enforcement date,” Wahab said, reminding
stakeholders that the state had already made its stance clear during the ban on
styrofoam containers announced in January 2024.
He clarified that the ban does not cover all plastic
products, noting that pure water sachets and PET bottles are exempt. However,
Wahab criticized producers who, after an 18-month moratorium, have failed to
adopt alternatives. “If after 18 months the producers have not embraced
alternatives to single-use plastics, it simply means they have no intention of
complying,” he said.
Wahala revealed that the state had engaged extensively with
stakeholders—including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the
Restaurants and Food Services Proprietors Association of Nigeria (RFSPAN), and
the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA)—before granting a final
six-month grace period, which expired on June 30.
He emphasised that the policy is driven by concerns for
health and environmental safety. “The decision was majorly because of the
safety and well-being of residents, which the government will never
compromise,” he said.
“Lagos, as a
coastal state, understands the dangers that styrofoam packs and SUPs of less
than 40 microns pose to our drainage channels and ecosystem. They block drains,
forcing government to divert funds meant for other social services toward
clearing debris,” Wahab added
The Commissioner also highlighted that Lagos is aligning
with global best practices. “Single-use plastic bans were first implemented in
Bangladesh in 2002. As of August 1, 2019, over 70 countries have introduced
similar bans with varying levels of enforcement, while 33 countries have
imposed charges per bag,” he said.
Wahab listed the affected items and reasons for the ban,
including:
• Styrofoam packs, banned for
their harmful environmental impact
• Plastic straws, to reduce
waste and promote sustainability
• Disposable plastic cups and
cutlery, to minimize plastic pollution
• Lightweight nylon bags, due to
their non-reusable and non-biodegradable nature
He noted that while production of these items is not
entirely outlawed, they must no longer be circulated or sold within Lagos.
“Producers and distributors can sell these items outside the state,” he said.
Rejecting objections motivated by profit, Wahab stated, “The
state does not intend to join issues with any group selfishly interested in
profiteering.”
Addressing fears of job losses, he reassured the
public that “no jobs will be lost during this transition. In fact, more jobs
will be created when producers adopt safer alternatives that ensure a
sustainable environment.”
He warned that violators would face strict penalties under
existing environmental laws. “Any market or store found storing, selling, or
distributing single-use plastics under 40 microns will be sealed, the items
confiscated, and offenders prosecuted,” he said.
Eagan added that the state has developed various enforcement
strategies to implement the ban, though these would not yet be disclosed.
0 Comments