The Lagos State Government has announced the full enforcement of the ban on the use and distribution of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) across the state, effective Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during a media briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja. He warned that offenders would be prosecuted under the State’s Environmental Laws.
Wahab explained that the decision to enforce the ban follows an 18-month transition period given to residents, manufacturers, and vendors to adjust and adopt sustainable alternatives.
“The decision to ban Single-Use Plastics in Lagos was not arbitrary. It was an existential one, influenced by multiple factors,” Wahab said. “Lagos, a coastal city situated below sea level with the smallest land mass in the country—just 3,575 square kilometers—houses about 10 percent of Nigeria’s population. That alone is a recipe for environmental crisis.”
He added, “We did not just wake up whimsically and ban styrofoam food packs in 2024. We had always stated that within the next 12 months, all single-use plastics would follow. Now, nearly 18 months later, ample time has been given for all to transition. Enforcement starts July 1, and heavens will not fall.”
Banned items and reasons:
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Styrofoam packs: Banned for being non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment.
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Plastic straws: Prohibited to reduce plastic waste and promote eco-friendly alternatives.
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Disposable plastic cups and cutleries: Banned to curb single-use plastic pollution.
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Lightweight nylon bags: Outlawed because they are not reusable or biodegradable, contributing significantly to environmental degradation.
Wahab urged the public, especially business owners, food vendors, and market traders, to cooperate with the government for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Lagos.
He emphasized that the enforcement is part of broader environmental reforms aimed at protecting the state’s ecosystem, reducing flooding, and promoting public health.
