Gladness Gideon
The Lagos State Government has announced that full enforcement of the ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) will begin across the state starting July 1, 2025, marking a significant step in the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The disclosure was made on Tuesday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during a media briefing at Alausa, Ikeja. Wahab emphasized that all violators will be prosecuted under the state’s existing Environmental Laws.
The commissioner noted that the decision follows an 18-month transition period granted to residents, manufacturers, and businesses to phase out the use of SUPs and embrace more eco-friendly alternatives.
“The decision to ban Single-Use Plastics in Lagos was not arbitrary. It was an existential one, influenced by multiple factors,” Wahab stated.
“Lagos, a coastal city below sea level with just 3,575 square kilometers of land, accommodates approximately 10 percent of Nigeria’s population. That alone creates significant environmental risks.”
Wahab recalled that the state had earlier banned styrofoam food packs in 2024 and consistently warned that a broader SUP ban would follow.
“Now, nearly 18 months later, we believe ample time has been given for all to transition. Enforcement starts July 1, and heavens will not fall,” he declared.
Items Banned Under the New Enforcement:
Styrofoam Food Packs – Due to their non-biodegradable composition and harmful impact on the environment.
READ ALSO: Lagos to Fully Enforce Single-Use Plastic Ban from July 1
Plastic Straws – Prohibited to reduce plastic waste and support greener alternatives.
Disposable Plastic Cups and Cutleries – Banned to curb increasing plastic pollution.
Lightweight Nylon Bags – Outlawed for their inability to decompose and their contribution to environmental degradation.
The commissioner urged businesses, food vendors, market traders, and residents to cooperate with the policy to foster a cleaner and more resilient city.
He added that the enforcement aligns with broader environmental reforms aimed at combating flooding, improving public health, and preserving Lagos’ fragile coastal ecosystem.
“We are not just banning plastic; we are safeguarding the future of Lagos,” Wahab concluded.