- Lagos State announced plans to ban single-use plastics starting January 2025, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and sachet water
- Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab highlighted the significance of sustainable plastic waste management for the environment and economy
- Stakeholders advocated for a phased approach to the ban to allow for adequate compliance and ease in light of the current economic challenges
The Lagos State Government has revealed its intention to ban the use of single-use plastics, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and sachet water, throughout the state.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, made this announcement during a stakeholders’ workshop focused on raising awareness about the ban on Styrofoam and Single Use Plastics for packaging in Lagos.
Lagos state to ban single-use plastics starting 2025
The event took place at the Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN) House, located at 77 Awolowo Road, Ikeja on Thursday, October 3.
Wahab, represented by the Special Adviser on the Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, stated that the ban, which will be effective from January 2025, is a key initiative by the State Government to establish policy guidelines for plastic usage, promoting sustainable management of plastic waste and ensuring a healthy and safe environment.
“Plastic waste materials make up a significant proportion of solid wastes and litter the metropolis.
Stakeholders urge state government to implement plastic ban in phases
“It has become a highly visible part of the waste stream, PET, Styrofoam and nylon for sachet water, popularly called “pure water” commonly being used for water and beverages, take away plates and cups, carrier bags, among others.
In light of the current economic challenges, stakeholders in the sector have called on the state government to implement the ban in phases rather than enforce it all at once, ensuring effective compliance and a more humane approach.
Wahab explained that the policy guidelines would be supported by a suitable legal framework, which will be established through an enabling law.
Lagos produces approximately 13,000 tonnes of waste each month
He revealed that Lagos currently produces approximately 13,000 tonnes of waste each month, with plastics accounting for more than 60 per cent of that total.
He further said, “This development is posing environmental challenges ranging from Ecosystems degradation, Drainage clogging and flooding, Lagoon and Ocean debris with attendant harm to humans resulting in high socio-economic impacts on the State.”
He emphasised that effective plastic waste management is crucial to the State Government's transformational agenda outlined in the Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) and the THEMES’ Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as it represents a resource that can be harnessed for economic, social, and environmental benefits.
ATWAP calls for continued engagement with Lagos state on plastic ban
Lagos chairperson of the Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria, ATWAP, Mosaku Ololade, said, “We have been engaging Lagos State Government on the way forward and we have been sensitising our members on the planned ban.
“We want the government to continue to engage us. We are a responsible association. We are ready to work with the government.
“We have over 2,000 members in Lagos alone with over 10,000 workers. We heeby, implore the government to implement the ban in phases to allow our members ample opportunity for compliance.
“There are lot of things to be put in place before coming up with total enforcement.”
Plastic management aims to improve drainage and reduce pollution
Recall that the state government, in January 2024, prohibited the use of styrofoam in all government establishments and across the metropolis as a measure against the growing issue of plastic waste and its harmful effects on the environment in recent years.
Wahab further explained that sustainable plastic waste management will generate value from the waste stream and formalise the waste-pickers sector, enhancing livelihoods while alleviating pressure on landfills.
“It will improve the situation of the State’s drainage channels and reduce plastic pollution in the marine environment,” the commissioner stated.
Lagos to establish drug manufacturing agency to boost local supply
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Lagos State disclosed plans to establish a new drug manufacturing agency at the 7th Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers’ Expo.
The proposed agency would address drug supply issues and ensure national self-sufficiency in pharmaceuticals, according to the commissioner.