Lagos to begin full enforcement of single-use plastics ban in July

Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos commissioner for environment and water resources, says the state will begin full enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) from July 1, 2025.

SUPs are products intended for short-term use. They are sometimes discarded after a single application.

Styrofoam is a trademarked brand of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) used for building insulation on walls and roofs. It is also used for production of single-use cups and plastics.

In January 2024, the Lagos government banned the use and distribution of styrofoam and other SUPs to reduce environmental pollution across the state.

The development elicited varied reactions as stakeholders and some residents berated the government for the short notice.

Providing an update on the development on Monday, Wahab, via a post on X, said the state government has been strategic with the implementation of the policy.

The commissioner said in the last 18 months, the state organised a series of stakeholder engagement sessions with marketers and producers of SUPs.

“Now it’s time to act,” he said.

“We re-emphasized this stand during a courtesy visit by management of TETRA PAK West Africa Limited led by the Managing Director, Mr. Haithem Debbiche.

“This is about environmental responsibility and 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.”