The Lagos State Government has announced its plan to ban the circulation of single-use plastics, including PET bottles and sachet water, starting in January 2025. This move is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle plastic waste and protect the environment.
This decision follows an earlier ban in January 2024, which prohibited the use of Styrofoam in all government establishments and across the metropolis. The growing prevalence of plastic waste and its harmful effects on the environment have driven the government to take further action.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement on Thursday at a stakeholders’ workshop on implementing the ban on Styrofoam and single-use plastics (SUPs) for packaging. The event was held at the Manufacturer Association of Nigeria’s (MAN) headquarters in Ikeja. Wahab, represented by the Special Adviser on the Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, explained that the ban is part of the state’s broader strategy to manage plastic waste and promote a healthier environment.
Wahab highlighted that the policy will be backed by a legal framework to ensure effective enforcement. He also disclosed that Lagos generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste each month, with plastics accounting for over 60% of that total.
“Plastic waste materials make up a significant portion of solid waste and litter across the city,” Wahab said. “They are becoming a visible part of the waste stream, including PET bottles, Styrofoam, and nylon sachets used for pure water, take-away packaging, and carrier bags. These pose environmental challenges such as ecosystem degradation, drainage blockages, and marine pollution.”
The commissioner emphasized that effective plastic waste management is key to achieving the state’s development goals, as outlined in the Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda. According to Wahab, proper management of plastic waste will not only help protect the environment but also create economic value, improve the livelihoods of waste-pickers, and reduce pressure on landfills.
Meanwhile, stakeholders have called for a phased implementation of the ban to ensure smoother compliance. Mosaku Ololade, Lagos chairperson of the Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP), expressed the group’s willingness to cooperate but urged the government to adopt a gradual approach.
“We’ve been engaging with the Lagos State Government and sensitizing our members about the ban,” Ololade said. “We are a responsible association with over 2,000 members in Lagos alone, employing over 10,000 workers. We ask the government to implement the ban in phases, giving our members time to comply.”
Ololade stressed that there are numerous changes that need to be made before full enforcement can take place, and urged the government to continue working with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.
The Lagos State Government is expected to continue discussions with relevant industries and the public as the January 2025 deadline approaches.
