Lagos Government to Begin Full Enforcement of Single-Use Plastics Ban by July 1, 2025

 

In a landmark move that underscores Lagos State's increasing focus on environmental sustainability, the government has officially announced that full enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) will begin on July 1, 2025. This development was disclosed by Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, in a public statement made via his social media handle on Monday.

The decision marks a critical phase in the state's aggressive push to tackle plastic pollution and improve public health and environmental standards across the city. This full enforcement will affect businesses, individuals, and industries that rely heavily on disposable plastic items, especially those involving Styrofoam and other packaging materials used for food and beverages.

What Are Single-Use Plastics (SUPs), and Why Are They a Problem?

Single-use plastics refer to plastic items that are intended to be used once and then discarded. Common examples include:

• Plastic shopping bags

• Straws

• Cutlery

• Water sachets

• Plastic food containers

• Styrofoam plates and cups

These items are popular because they are cheap, convenient, and lightweight. However, they are also incredibly harmful to the environment. Once discarded, they do not decompose for hundreds of years. Instead, they break down into microplastics, which contaminate water bodies, harm marine life, and even make their way into the human food chain.

Styrofoam (also known as polystyrene foam), in particular, is one of the worst offenders. It is commonly used to serve take-away food in Lagos, but it is not biodegradable and is difficult to recycle. When not properly disposed of, it clogs drainage systems, leading to urban flooding, and contributes to serious pollution in both land and water environments.

Lagos State's Initial Ban and Public Reactions

In January 2024, the Lagos State Government announced a ban on the production, distribution, and use of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics across the state. This decision was part of the broader Lagos Climate Action Plan and was seen as a bold step towards achieving a cleaner, healthier environment.

However, the policy received mixed reactions from the public, especially from small business owners and food vendors who rely on cheap disposable packaging. Many Lagosians felt the decision was rushed and criticized the government for not providing enough time or alternatives.

Despite the pushback, the government maintained its position, emphasizing that environmental preservation must take precedence over short-term convenience.

Government Engagement and Strategy Before Full Enforcement

Now, over a year after the initial announcement, Tokunbo Wahab has clarified that the Lagos State Government has not acted impulsively. Instead, they have taken deliberate and measured steps to prepare for full enforcement.

“In the last 18 months, the state organised a series of stakeholder engagement sessions with marketers and producers of SUPs,” Wahab stated. “Now it’s time to act.”

These stakeholder engagements included:

• Workshops with local manufacturers

• Policy briefings with market leaders

• Awareness campaigns targeting the public

• Collaboration with environmental NGOs and sustainability advocates

This approach was aimed at ensuring adequate consultation and collaboration before the law is fully enforced.

Aligning with Global Best Practices

During a recent meeting with the management of TETRA PAK West Africa, Wahab reaffirmed that Lagos is not acting in isolation. The state’s environmental strategy aligns with international best practices, especially those recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

“This is about environmental responsibility and we have given ample time to align with global best practices,” Wahab explained. “What is unacceptable elsewhere cannot become standard in Lagos. We must protect our future and do what is right for the greater good.”

In essence, the Lagos State Government is positioning itself as a regional leader in the fight against plastic pollution. This is especially important in Nigeria, where over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, much of which ends up in landfills or the ocean.

A Call for Accountability and Sustainability

Wahab emphasized that this is not just a politically convenient policy — it is a long-term commitment to transforming how Lagos handles waste and sustainability.

“We’re not here to score points. We’re here to do the work,” he said. “Just like with the successful enforcement of the styrofoam ban, we will insist on accountability and responsibility.”

The commissioner’s strong words signal the government’s readiness to strictly enforce the ban, with possible penalties for non-compliance. While the specifics of these penalties have not yet been publicly disclosed, similar regulations in other parts of the world include:

• Heavy fines for producers and retailers

• Suspension or revocation of business licenses

• Closure of non-compliant manufacturing plants

What Businesses and Residents Should Do Now

With the deadline of July 1, 2025 fast approaching, individuals and businesses in Lagos need to begin preparing immediately. Here’s what you can do:

• Switch to biodegradable alternatives such as paper, bamboo, or reusable containers

• Educate your staff or household on the upcoming regulations

• Partner with recycling organizations or sustainable packaging suppliers

• Participate in government-organized workshops or public forums

For businesses, this may also be a unique opportunity to innovate, rebrand, and attract environmentally conscious customers. Eco-friendly businesses are becoming increasingly popular, and early adopters of green practices may gain a competitive edge in Lagos's dynamic market.

Final Thoughts: A New Era for Environmental Responsibility in Lagos

The full enforcement of the single-use plastic ban in Lagos is not just a government policy; it’s a societal shift towards a cleaner, greener, and more responsible future. As the July 1, 2025, deadline draws near, both citizens and businesses have a role to play in ensuring its success.

Yes, the transition might be inconvenient at first. But the long-term benefits — reduced flooding, cleaner streets, improved public health, and a stronger global image — far outweigh the temporary discomfort.

As Commissioner Wahab rightly said:

“What is unacceptable elsewhere cannot become standard in Lagos. We must protect our future and do what is right for the greater good.”

NaijaRush will continue to follow this story closely and provide you with updates, analysis, and resources on how to adapt. The time for change is now, and Lagos is ready to lead the way.