The Lagos State Authorities has begun full enforcement of its ban on single-use plastics, warning that from Tuesday, July 1, 2025, any store, market, or outlet discovered storing, promoting, or distributing Styrofoam packs, plastic straws, light-weight nylon baggage, or disposable cutlery will likely be sealed, with offenders dealing with sanctions underneath Lagos State environmental legal guidelines.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for the Setting and Water Assets, Tokunbo Wahab, throughout a press briefing on Tuesday in Lagos.
Wahab defined that the ban targets plastic supplies under 40 microns, which pose severe environmental threats, particularly by clogging drainage channels and polluting Lagos’ fragile coastal ecosystem.
“We gave a six-month grace interval, which expired on June 30. Many consider we might succumb to stress and delay enforcement. It is not going to occur,” Wahab stated.
He added, “Let me additionally emphasize that any market, retailer, that’s discovered storing or participating in sale or distribution of the single-use plastic of lower than 40 microns can be sealed up whereas the offenders can be punished in line with the environmental legal guidelines of Lagos state.”
In response to him, the federal government took the daring choice to ban Styrofoam and different dangerous plastics for the protection and well-being of Lagos residents and wouldn’t compromise on its environmental accountability.
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The commissioner clarified that the ban doesn’t cowl all plastic merchandise, however particularly targets 4 single-use objects resulting from their non-biodegradable nature and position in environmental air pollution:
Styrofoam packsPlastic strawsLightweight nylon bagsDisposable cups and cutlery
Wahab clarified that producers and distributors nonetheless have the choice of transporting the banned objects outdoors Lagos, and dismissed issues that the coverage would result in job losses.
“It’s a no brainer—no jobs can be misplaced throughout this transition. The truth is, extra jobs will likely be created when producers and distributors embrace sustainable options,” he stated.
He added that Lagos aligns with over 70 nations and main cities which have adopted bans or restrictions on single-use plastics since Bangladesh first carried out such a measure in 2002.
The commissioner careworn that Styrofoam and different banned plastics have a big affect on Lagos’ infrastructure, usually clogging drains and forcing the federal government to divert public funds to clear waste, sources that might in any other case help essential social companies.
To make sure compliance, Wahab stated the federal government has developed covert enforcement methods. He famous that the ban kinds a part of broader efforts to chop down waste technology and ease the burden on landfill websites, a lot of that are nearing decommissioning.
