Lagos to begin full enforcement of single-use plastics ban
The Lagos State Government has announced that full enforcement of the ban on the usage and distribution of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) will commence across the state on July 1, 2025.
This declaration was made over the weekend by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during a courtesy visit by the management team of Tetra Pak West Africa Limited at the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.
Wahab emphasised the government’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices, noting that the administration has been both strategic and deliberate in its approach to eradicating SUPs.
“When we announced the ban on Styrofoam food packs in 2024, we also declared our intention to phase out all single-use plastics within 12 months. We believe that by July 1, 2025 — almost 18 months later — everyone has had enough time to transition,” he said.
Wahab noted that while the ban was announced with a 12-month notice, enforcement was delayed until mid-2025 to accommodate logistical and commercial adjustments.
“We have had conversations with members of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBBRA) and given them ample time to comply. Everyone concerned must be fair to the state, stressing that it is a call for the responsibility of the extended producer to the state,” he said.
According to the Commissioner, the government will not tolerate actions by producers that seek to undermine environmental laws or standards not acceptable globally.
“When producers, with due respect, act contrary to global best practices, we must insist on accountability. We are here today, but tomorrow we will not be. Let history record that we did the right thing at the right time for the greater good of our people.”
Wahab argued that producers, many of whom are international or well-travelled, are aware that SUPs are no longer acceptable in most parts of the world. He maintained that an 18-month transition period is more than adequate, and failure to comply signals a lack of seriousness.
“Styrofoam food packs were largely used for commercial purposes and offered little value beyond that. Single-use plastics are more complex, but the government has considered this in designing a phased enforcement timeline,” he said.
He urged all stakeholders to keep the government informed about their activities regarding plastic packaging, warning that any attempt to sideline or “blindside” the state will be met with consequences.
“Globally, producers are held responsible for tracking and managing their products. We expect nothing less in Lagos State.”
The Commissioner concluded by reaffirming the state’s dedication to ensuring that waste products are properly tracked, collected, and recycled, as part of a broader effort to improve the environmental comfort and well-being of all residents.
Haithem Debbiche, Managing Director of Tetra Pak West Africa Limited, expressed support for the policy.
He described the ban as a “welcome development,” assuring the state of Tetra Pak’s cooperation in implementing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
