The Lagos State Government has announced that it will begin prosecuting individuals and businesses found selling or using styrofoam packs and single-use plastics below 40 microns, as a new ban takes effect from Tuesday (July 1, 2025).

It would be recalled that Lagos on January 21, 2024, banned the use and distribution of styrofoam and other single use plastics to reduce environmental pollution across the state. However, the commencement of enforcement on single -use plastics was extended by 18 months.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that the ban is part of the government’s renewed efforts to tackle the growing environmental and drainage challenges facing the state.

“Lagos State as a coastal state realises the enormous dangers that styrofoam packs and single-use plastics of less than 40 micron causes our drainage channels and ecosystem causing blockages and compelling the state government to channel funds that should be deployed for provision of other social services to clearing of debris from our drains,” Wahab stated on X.

He warned that anyone found culpable of flouting the ban would be prosecuted in accordance with the state’s environmental laws.

According to him, enforcement agencies have also been directed to seal any market or store found storing, selling, or distributing the banned items, with all such goods to be confiscated.

Wahab emphasized that the policy is aimed at reducing the volume of waste generated in Lagos, especially at landfill sites, many of which are currently undergoing decommissioning.

“It is on this note that the state government is officially announcing that as from today, July 1, 2025, sale and use of styrofoam and single-use plastics in Lagos State is now prohibited and anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the state’s environmental laws.

“Let me also emphasize that any market/store that is found storing or engaging in the sale and distribution of the single-use plastics (less than 40 microns) will be sealed up by our enforcement agency and the items confiscated.

“This ban is expected to move the state towards realization of reduction of the quantum of waste generated in the state and at our different landfill sites, many of which are in the process of decommissioning,” he said.