The Lagos State government will commence full enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) beginning July 1, 2025, according to Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources. Wahab announced the decision in a post shared on Monday, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Single-use plastics, which include products designed for brief, disposable use, have long been a source of environmental concern. Items such as Styrofoam cups and packaging materials, often used for food and beverage containers, fall under this category. Styrofoam, a branded form of polystyrene foam, is particularly prevalent and has been criticised globally for its environmental impact.
In January 2024, the Lagos State government announced a ban on the use and distribution of Styrofoam and other SUPs as part of broader efforts to curb pollution. The decision drew mixed reactions at the time, with some residents and business stakeholders criticising the government for what they perceived as an abrupt timeline.
Providing a policy update, Wahab stated that the state has been deliberate and strategic in the rollout of the ban, noting that there has been substantial engagement with stakeholders over the past year and a half. “In the last 18 months, the state organised a series of stakeholder engagement sessions with marketers and producers of SUPs,” Wahab said. “Now it’s time to act.”
Reiterating the administration’s stance during a meeting with the management of TETRA PAK West Africa, Wahab emphasised that the move aligns with international environmental standards. “This is about environmental responsibility and we have given ample time to align with global best practices,” he said. “What is unacceptable elsewhere cannot become standard in Lagos. We must protect our future and do what is right for the greater good.”
He further asserted that the state government is not driven by optics but by long-term impact. “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,” Wahab concluded.
