The Lagos State Government has started enforcing its ban on certain categories of single-use plastics (SUPs) less than 40 microns thick, effective Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced this at a press conference, highlighting that there would be no delays or reversals on the enforcement date. The ban excludes pure water sachets and PET bottles but targets plastics like styrofoam food containers and thin plastic bags.
The government gave manufacturers and businesses an 18-month grace period to find alternatives, but Wahab said those who have not complied by now show no intention to follow the rules. “If after 18 months moratorium, producers have not embraced alternatives, it means they have no intention of complying,” he said.
The decision was made after consultations with stakeholders, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Restaurants and Food Services Proprietors Association (RFSPAN), and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA). A six-month extension granted in January 2025 expired on June 30.
Wahab explained that the ban is necessary to protect Lagos residents’ health and prevent environmental damage. Lagos, being a coastal state, faces serious problems from plastic waste clogging drainage channels, which leads to flooding and forces the government to divert funds from other social services to clear debris.
The ban follows global trends, with countries like Bangladesh introducing similar measures as early as 2002. As of 2019, over 70 countries have enacted bans or restrictions on single-use plastics, with 33 countries imposing taxes or charges on plastic bags.
Lagos State remains firm in its commitment to environmental protection and urges all businesses and residents to comply fully with the new rules.
