The Lagos State Government has confirmed that the upcoming ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam, effective January 2025, will not include sachet water and PET bottles. This clarification was provided by Mr. Bankole Michael Omoniyi, Director of Climate Change and Environmental Planning at the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, during an interview on the Tiwa Talks Green Podcast.
Omoniyi stated, “At no point did we say that PET bottles and sachet nylons were banned,” emphasizing that the ban will primarily target nylon bags under 40 microns, plastic cutlery, straws, and Styrofoam products, which have been identified as significant contributors to environmental pollution in Lagos.
He pointed to the negative effects of Styrofoam, citing pollution incidents in Surulere as a notable example. “The use of Styrofoam has led to clogged drainage channels, exacerbated flooding, and contributed to climate change and diseases like cholera,” Omoniyi noted.
This announcement follows earlier reports about the ban, initially expected to take effect in January 2024. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, confirmed the January 2025 date for the ban, describing it as part of the state’s efforts to implement policy guidelines for sustainable plastic waste management.
Omoniyi also mentioned the state’s commitment to engaging manufacturers to explore extended producer responsibilities and the establishment of collection centers for plastic waste recycling. He added, “We can have a plastic management fund that everyone in the plastic value chain can contribute to.”
This move aims to promote a greener Lagos and improve the overall management of plastic waste within the state.
