The Lagos State Government has begun enforcing the ban on styrofoam products and single-use plastics thinner than 40 microns.
In a public notice issued Tuesday, Kunle Adeshina, Director Public Affairs, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, said the move is part of efforts to safeguard public health and preserve the environment.
Adeshina dismissed concerns over potential job losses as “baseless and a form of cheap blackmail,” stressing that the dangers posed by plastic pollution, especially to drainage systems, marine life, and human health—can no longer be ignored.
The statement reads: “The Lagos State Government on Tuesday announced the immediate commencement of the enforcement of the ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) (less than 40 microns) across the state from today
“The Commissioner for the Environmental and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab who made this known during a press conference on commencement of the enforcement of the ban on Single Use Plastics held at the Ministry’s Conference Room insisted that there will be no going back on the 1st of July 2025 set date for enforcement.
“He stated that the State was very explicit on the ban of certain categories of single use plastics excluding pure water sachets and pet bottles as explained when the ban on styrofoam food containers was announced in January 2024
“He added that if after 18 months moratorium, the producers have not been able to embrace alternatives to single use plastics, it simply means they have no intention of complying with the ban.
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“Wahab explained that by January 2025, after series of meetings and representations from concerned stakeholders which included (Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ( MAN) Restaurants and Food Services Proprietors Association of Nigeria ( RFSPAN) and (FBRA)Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance representatives) amongst others, the state gave another grace of 6 months which expired yesterday.
“He said the state government took the bold decision to ban styrofoam food containers and single use plastics of less than 40 microns explaining that the decision was majorly because of the safety and well being of residents which the government will never compromise.
” ‘Lagos as a coastal state realises the enormous dangers that styrofoam packs & SUPs of less than 40 microns cause our drainage channels and ecosystem causing blockades and compelling government to channel funds that should be deployed for provision of other social services to clearing of debris from our drains,’ he said.
“He stated that the ban of single use plastics was first effected in Bangladesh in 2002 as well as in other major cities and as at 1st of August, 2019, such bans have been introduced in over 70 countries of the world with varying degrees of enforcement whilst 33 countries have imposed a charge per bag policy.”
