The Lagos State Government has officially begun the full enforcement of its ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs), effective July 1, 2025. This was announced by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during a media briefing held on Tuesday at Alausa, Ikeja.
Wahab revealed that the enforcement follows an extensive 18-month transition period granted to residents, manufacturers, and vendors to enable a smooth shift to more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Offenders found violating the ban will be prosecuted in accordance with the State’s Environmental Laws.
“The decision to ban single-use plastics in Lagos was not made on a whim. It is a critical and necessary step driven by environmental, geographical, and public health concerns,” Wahab stated. He highlighted Lagos’ unique vulnerability as a coastal city situated below sea level, with the smallest land mass in Nigeria—3,575 square kilometers—but home to approximately 10 percent of the nation’s population. “That alone,” he said, “poses a serious environmental threat.”
He recalled that the state had initially banned the use of styrofoam food packs in 2024 and warned then that a broader prohibition on all single-use plastics would follow. “Now, almost 18 months later, we believe everyone has had sufficient time to transition. Enforcement begins now, and heavens will not fall,” Wahab declared.
List of Banned Items and Reasons:
Styrofoam Packs: Banned due to their non-biodegradable nature and severe environmental harm.
Plastic Straws: Outlawed to reduce plastic waste and encourage the adoption of sustainable alternatives.
Disposable Plastic Cups and Cutleries: Banned to combat plastic pollution and promote reusable options.
Lightweight Nylon Bags: Prohibited because they are not reusable or biodegradable, and are a major contributor to environmental degradation.
Wahab appealed to members of the public—especially business owners, market traders, and food vendors—to support and cooperate with the government in achieving a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally responsible Lagos.
He emphasized that the ban is part of a broader set of environmental reforms aimed at safeguarding the state’s ecosystem, reducing urban flooding, and protecting public health.
