Lagos Set To Enforce Ban On Single-Use Plastics From July 2025.
The Lagos State Government has confirmed that a comprehensive ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) will be fully enforced across the state from 1 July 2025, marking a significant step in tackling environmental challenges.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, during a courtesy visit by Tetra Pak West Africa Limited at Alausa, Ikeja. The decision underscores Lagos’s commitment to addressing the environmental impact of plastic waste, given its unique geographical constraints as a coastal state with a land mass of just 3,575 square kilometres, yet home to roughly 10% of Nigeria’s population.
Speaking on the initiative, Commissioner Wahab highlighted the existential need for the ban. “The decision to ban single-use plastics in Lagos since early 2025 was driven by the environmental concerns tied to our coastal geography and dense population,” he said. The state began phasing out SUPs by banning styrofoam food packs in 2024, with a complete phase-out of all SUPs announced to follow within 12 months.
Wahab stressed that the 18-month transition period, which includes an initial 12 months and an additional six-month grace period, has provided ample time for businesses to adapt. “Enforcement will commence on 1 July 2025, and heavens will not fall,” he declared confidently.
The Lagos State Government has been working closely with the Food and Beverages Recyclers Alliance (FBBRA), achieving approximately 70% compliance to date. Wahab urged producers to take responsibility for their products and align with the state’s environmental policies. “When producers seek to undermine the system and engage in practices unacceptable in any civilised country, we must insist on doing the right thing,” he stated.
The enforcement of the SUP ban is expected to significantly reduce plastic pollution in Lagos, a city grappling with the challenges of waste management in a densely populated urban environment. The government’s proactive stance has been praised as a bold move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for the state.
As the July 2025 deadline approaches, businesses and residents are encouraged to fully transition to eco-friendly alternatives, ensuring compliance with the new regulations and contributing to a greener Lagos.
