The Lagos State Government has initiated the immediate and rigorous enforcement of its ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) across the state, with warnings of severe legal consequences for defaulters. Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environmental and Water Resources, confirmed the commencement, emphasizing that there would be no reversal from the enforcement date of July 1, 2025, which followed a six-month grace period that expired on June 30, 2025.

The ban specifically targets certain categories of single-use plastics, including styrofoam packs, plastic straws, disposable plastic cups and cutleries, and lightweight nylon bags of less than 40 microns. However, pure water sachets and PET bottles are explicitly excluded from this ban. Commissioner Wahab clarified that while the production of all plastic categories is not prohibited, producers and distributors of the banned items have the option to sell them outside Lagos State.

The government's decision to implement the ban is primarily driven by significant environmental and public health concerns. As a coastal state, Lagos faces immense dangers from styrofoam packs and SUPs less than 40 microns, which frequently cause blockages in drainage channels and damage the ecosystem. This issue often compels the government to reallocate funds, otherwise meant for social services, to clearing debris from drains. Wahab highlighted that Lagos generates approximately 34 kg of plastic waste per person annually, with a substantial portion polluting water systems.

The journey towards this ban involved extensive consultations and a phased approach. The initial announcement regarding the ban on styrofoam food containers was made in January 2024, providing an initial one-year notice. Following an 18-month moratorium, and after series of meetings with concerned stakeholders, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Restaurants and Food Services Proprietors Association of Nigeria (RFSPAN/REFSPAN), and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), an additional six-month grace period was granted. This period, designed to allow producers to embrace alternatives, expired on June 30, 2025.

Addressing concerns about potential job losses, Commissioner Wahab asserted that the transition would not result in unemployment but would instead create new opportunities in the eco-friendly packaging sector and alternative solutions. He stressed that the government's aim is environmental sustainability and the wellbeing of its residents, not to hinder legitimate businesses or promote selfish profiteering.

The Lagos State Government has outlined strict enforcement measures. Any market or store found storing, selling, or distributing the banned single-use plastics (less than 40 microns) will be sealed, the items confiscated, and offenders punished in accordance with Lagos State environmental laws. The specific enforcement strategies, while undisclosed, are robustly in place. This move aligns Lagos with global efforts, as similar bans were first effected in Bangladesh in 2002 and have since been introduced in over 70 countries worldwide, with 33 countries implementing a charge-per-bag policy.

In a resolute statement, Wahab declared, “Enough is enough. We will not compromise on the safety and well-being of our residents. This is a battle we must win for our future and for our planet.” The briefing was attended by key officials from various environmental and waste management agencies, underscoring the unified commitment to enforcing the ban.