Lagos State will enforce a ban on certain Single-Use Plastics by January 2025, after a year-long moratorium to allow producers to transition.
The Lagos State Government has announced that it will fully enforce a statewide ban on certain categories of Single-Use Plastics (SUP) from January 2025.
This follows the expiration of a one-year moratorium provided for producers to transition.
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During a stakeholders’ workshop in Ikeja, State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed that the ban will cover items such as Styrofoam (plates and cups), straws, single-use cutlery, and nylon bags under 40 microns.
Wahab, represented by Special Adviser Engr. Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, assured residents that advocacy campaigns would be stepped up to ensure a smooth transition for consumers.
The commissioner also noted that pet bottles, sachets, and carrier bags over 40 microns will be managed under the mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme.
He confirmed that the ban on certain SUPs would follow the earlier implementation of a ban on Styrofoam food containers, which begins in January 2024.
Lagos currently generates over 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, much of which consists of single-use plastics and Styrofoam.
These materials pose severe environmental hazards, taking up to a thousand years to degrade and contributing to air pollution and clogged waterways.
Wahab pointed to scientific studies that found microplastics in human fetuses and bloodstreams, highlighting the long-term risks to both current and future generations.
The government, in partnership with stakeholders, plans to establish a Plastics Waste Management Fund, which will be jointly managed by producers and importers.
This fund will address plastic waste in Lagos and support research into alternative packaging materials.
Wahab called on stakeholders to collaborate in raising public awareness and developing practical strategies to implement the ban effectively.
He emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in creating a plastic-free future for Lagos, improving the health and quality of life for residents, and addressing climate change.