Lagos govt begins strict enforcement of ban on single-use plastics

The Lagos state government (LASG) has declared that it will commence full enforcement of the ban on the use and distribution of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) throughout the state starting from Tuesday, July 1.

Tokunbo Wahab, the state’s commissioner for environment and water resources stated that the enforcement is coming after an 18-month grace period that allows residents, producers, and vendors time to transition to more eco-friendly alternatives.

He said, “The decision to ban Single-Use Plastics in Lagos was not arbitrary.

“It was an existential one, influenced by multiple factors.

“Lagos, a coastal city situated below sea level with the smallest land mass in the country which is just 3,575 square kilometers houses about 10 percent of Nigeria’s population.

“That alone is a recipe for environmental crisis.”

Wahab listed the items affected and the reasons why and they include:

Styrofoam containers: Banned due to their inability to decompose and their damaging effect on the environment. Outlawed to cut down plastic waste and support the use of sustainable options.

Single-use plastic cups and cutlery: Prohibited to limit pollution from disposable plastics.

He stressed that violators will face prosecution in accordance with the state’s environmental regulations.

Wahab then urged the public especially business operators, food vendors, and market sellers—to support the government’s initiative to maintain a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Lagos.

He finally highlighted that this enforcement is part of a larger environmental strategy aimed at safeguarding the state’s ecosystem, minimizing flooding risks, and improving public health.