Lagos State will begin full enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) from July 1, 2025. This announcement comes from the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
SUPs are disposable items used only once before they are thrown away. They include plastic bags, straws, spoons, and food containers, especially those made from styrofoam. These items often end up in drains, causing floods and serious pollution.
Lagos is Nigeria’s most populated state. The state generates over 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, according to the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). A large part of this waste is made up of plastics.
Government Already Banned Styrofoam In January 2024
In January 2024, the Lagos government banned the use and sale of styrofoam and other single-use plastics. The aim was to reduce plastic waste and improve environmental health.
Many residents and business owners complained about the ban. They said they were not given enough time to adjust. However, the government says it has taken time to plan properly.
Wahab explained that the state has engaged with plastic producers, marketers, and environmental experts over the last 18 months. He said the government has been strategic in its approach.
“Now it’s time to act,” Wahab said in a post on X.
He added that the plan was not about scoring points but about long-term environmental safety.
“We re-emphasized this stand during a courtesy visit by management of TETRA PAK West Africa Limited led by the Managing Director, Mr. Haithem Debbiche,” he said.
“This is about environmental responsibility, and we have given ample time to align with global best practices.”
Full Ban Enforcement Begins July
The commissioner made it clear that July 1, 2025, is the deadline for full compliance. After that date, any company or person caught using or selling banned plastics may face penalties.
“What is unacceptable elsewhere cannot become standard in Lagos,” Wahab said.
He stressed that the government will hold people accountable just like it did with the styrofoam ban. “We’re not here to score points. We’re here to do the work,” he said.
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and other related bodies will monitor and enforce the ban across the state.
Lagos, with a massive population of 22 million, has a waste management crisis made worse by a deluge of plastics, which often block drainages. The ban will encourage the use of biodegradable materials and reduce pollution in rivers, markets, and communities.
As enforcement begins, residents are advised to seek safer packaging alternatives. The government is also working on incentives for local producers of eco-friendly materials.
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