The Lagos State Government has clarified that the ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs), which takes effect on 1 July 2025, does not cover pure water sachets, PET bottles, or nylon carrier bags thicker than 40 microns.
This was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement by the Lagos Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
It followed what the government described as “deliberate viral misrepresentations” suggesting the ban applied to all categories of SUPs.
Wahab affirmed that the state’s position remains unchanged, noting that the ban only affects specific categories of single-use plastic products.
“Our focus remains on styrofoam food packs, all forms of polystyrene (disposable) cups, plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and all single-use carrier bags and nylons with a thickness of less than 40 microns,” the commissioner said in the statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.
To underscore its commitment, the state government inaugurated the Plastic Waste Management Fund, a collaborative initiative involving the government, producers, and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs).
According to the commissioner, the fund—financed through contributions from producers and major importers—will be jointly managed and utilised to tackle the persistent challenge of plastic waste across Lagos.
Wahab reiterated that enforcement of the ban would commence on 1 July, following the expiration of an 18-month moratorium announced in January 2024.
The environment and water resources commissioner explained that the period allowed ample time for stakeholders to adjust to the policy.
In a separate post on Monday, he said, “This is about environmental responsibility. We have given ample time to align with global best practices. What is unacceptable elsewhere cannot become standard in Lagos. We must protect our future and do what is right for the greater good.”
“We’re not here to score points. We’re here to do the work. Just like with the successful enforcement of the styrofoam ban, we will insist on accountability and responsibility. A cleaner, healthier Lagos is within reach if we all play our part.”
The enforcement follows previous action taken by the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI.
In September 2024, the agency, in collaboration with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), destroyed ₦5 million worth of seized styrofoam packs in Epe and other locations across the state.
In June 2024, the federal government announced a ban on single-use plastics across ministries, departments, and agencies.
The Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, who briefed journalists after a Federal Executive Council meeting, said the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, adopted in 2020, targets a nationwide ban on certain plastic categories by January 2025.
Salako highlighted the dangers of plastic pollution, stating that plastic waste contributes to flooding, clogs drainage systems, pollutes marine ecosystems, and poses serious risks to human health and the environment.
Lagos Excludes Water Sachets, PET Bottles From Single-Use Plastics Ban
The Lagos State Government has clarified that the ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs), which takes effect on 1 July 2025, does not cover pure water sachets, PET bottles, or nylon carrier bags thicker than 40 microns.
This was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement by the Lagos Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
It followed what the government described as “deliberate viral misrepresentations” suggesting the ban applied to all categories of SUPs.
Wahab affirmed that the state’s position remains unchanged, noting that the ban only affects specific categories of single-use plastic products.
“Our focus remains on styrofoam food packs, all forms of polystyrene (disposable) cups, plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and all single-use carrier bags and nylons with a thickness of less than 40 microns,” the commissioner said in the statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.
To underscore its commitment, the state government inaugurated the Plastic Waste Management Fund, a collaborative initiative involving the government, producers, and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs).
According to the commissioner, the fund—financed through contributions from producers and major importers—will be jointly managed and utilised to tackle the persistent challenge of plastic waste across Lagos.
Wahab reiterated that enforcement of the ban would commence on 1 July, following the expiration of an 18-month moratorium announced in January 2024.
The environment and water resources commissioner explained that the period allowed ample time for stakeholders to adjust to the policy.
In a separate post on Monday, he said, “This is about environmental responsibility. We have given ample time to align with global best practices. What is unacceptable elsewhere cannot become standard in Lagos. We must protect our future and do what is right for the greater good.”
“We’re not here to score points. We’re here to do the work. Just like with the successful enforcement of the styrofoam ban, we will insist on accountability and responsibility. A cleaner, healthier Lagos is within reach if we all play our part.”
The enforcement follows previous action taken by the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI.
In September 2024, the agency, in collaboration with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), destroyed ₦5 million worth of seized styrofoam packs in Epe and other locations across the state.
In June 2024, the federal government announced a ban on single-use plastics across ministries, departments, and agencies.
The Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, who briefed journalists after a Federal Executive Council meeting, said the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, adopted in 2020, targets a nationwide ban on certain plastic categories by January 2025.
Salako highlighted the dangers of plastic pollution, stating that plastic waste contributes to flooding, clogs drainage systems, pollutes marine ecosystems, and poses serious risks to human health and the environment.
