The Lagos State Government has taken decisive action to enforce its ban on single-use plastics (SUPs), seizing banned plastic products from various supermarkets across the state.
This enforcement effort began in earnest on July 1, 2025, following an 18-month moratorium period meant for businesses to transition away from the use and distribution of SUPs.
The state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed via social media that enforcement teams visited multiple retail outlets including Blenco Supermarket in Lekki, Blend and Temple Hill Supermarkets in Ire-Akari, and others in Jakande Estate, Ejigbo, and Idimu.
During these visits, officers confiscated single-use plastic items such as disposable cups, straws, plastic utensils, and bags with attached single-use plastic components.
Wahab emphasized that the ban targets plastic items less than 40 microns thick, which are non-recyclable and contribute heavily to the city’s flooding and environmental degradation. Compliance with the ban is critical for protecting Lagos’ coastal ecosystem and improving waste management.
Although the ban formally commenced in January 2024 for items like Styrofoam food packs, the government delayed full enforcement to July 2025 to allow producers and distributors adequate time to adopt sustainable alternatives.
Wahab stated there would be no further extensions, warning that vendors failing to comply face prosecution and closure of their businesses.
Despite the enforcement efforts, reports from several neighborhoods indicate continued use and sale of banned plastics in markets and social events, underscoring ongoing challenges in achieving full compliance.
Some residents expressed frustration over lack of affordable and convenient alternatives, highlighting the need for continued education and support.
Environmental advocates have praised the government’s firm stance, stressing that eliminating single-use plastics is essential for reducing pollution in drainage systems and waterways, ultimately limiting the frequency and severity of floods in Lagos.
The government continues to engage stakeholders through awareness campaigns and partnerships with recyclers to promote a shift toward eco-friendly packaging.
Lagos’ ban includes Styrofoam packs, plastic straws, disposable cutlery and cups, and lightweight nylon bags, but excludes items like thicker nylon bags, PET bottles, and sachet water packaging.
The state government urges producers to track their products responsibly and encourages consumers and businesses to embrace reusable and biodegradable options as part of a wider climate-conscious initiative.
The comprehensive crackdown on single-use plastics reflects Lagos State’s broader commitment to sustainable urban living and environmental stewardship, aiming to safeguard public health and improve the quality of life for millions of residents in West Africa’s largest city.
