The Lagos State Government has announced that enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) will commence in two weeks. This initiative, led by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, aims to address the escalating environmental challenges posed by plastic waste in the state.
In December 2024, Commissioner Wahab declared a ban on the use of Styrofoam and SUPs for packaging, with enforcement slated to start in January 2025. This decision follows the state government’s earlier move in January 2024 to ban Styrofoam, targeting the growing prevalence of plastic waste and its adverse environmental impact.
During an inspection of flood-prone areas and ongoing projects on Lagos Island, culminating at the Ilubirin Waterfront, Wahab reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the timeline, stating, “There is no going back on a total ban of SUPs. We are currently having conversations in respect of how to phase them off. The enforcement will take effect before the end of January.”
The ban is expected to significantly reduce plastic litter in streets and waterways, mitigating flooding risks and alleviating the strain on the city’s waste management systems. However, stakeholders like the Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP) have called for a phased implementation to allow businesses and residents time to adapt, considering Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
Lagos joins other regions worldwide in implementing such bans. For instance, the European Union voted to ban all food and beverage containers made from expanded polystyrene, and various Australian states have enacted similar prohibitions. The success of these measures elsewhere underscores the potential positive impact of Lagos’s initiative on environmental sustainability.
