- Oyo State House of Assembly passes first reading of Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Bill
- The bill seeks to ban production, importation, sale, and use of single-use plastics by 2027
- A 12-month phase-out period is proposed for public sensitisation and business transition
- Offenders risk heavy fines, business closure, and a 500% environmental tax
The Oyo State House of Assembly has begun legislative action to outlaw single-use plastics, as a Bill seeking to prohibit their production, importation, distribution, sale, and usage across the state scaled first reading during plenary on Thursday, February 12.
The proposed legislation, titled the Oyo State Single-Use Plastics Prohibition (SUPs) Bill, 2026, was presented on the floor of the House under the leadership of Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin.
The Bill is jointly sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Ecology and Water Resources, Olorunpoto Cephas Rahaman; the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin; and the House Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin.
Speaking during deliberations, Rahaman stressed the urgency of the proposed law, stating, “This is not just a policy; it is a necessity for the health of our ecosystem and the future of our children.”
He further warned, “We cannot afford to remain idle while plastic waste chokes our drainage systems and degrades our soil”.
The Bill aims to gradually eliminate all categories of single-use plastics within the state. Items listed for prohibition include plastic shopping bags, sachet water nylons, plastic straws, disposable cutlery, cups, plates, and Styrofoam food containers commonly used in packaging.
It specifically bars the use of plastic straws and cutlery in restaurants, event centres, and other public facilities.
To ease the transition, the legislation proposes a 12-month phase-out period following its commencement, during which intensified public awareness and behavioural change campaigns will be carried out.
Commenting on the development, Ogundoyin said, “Oyo State is taking a bold step toward global environmental standards. Our goal is to transition seamlessly from a culture of disposal to one of sustainability.”
The transition window is designed to give manufacturers, vendors, and consumers sufficient time to switch to biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Under the proposed framework, enforcement responsibility will rest with the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, which will establish a Task Force on Plastic Pollution Control to ensure compliance.
The Task Force is expected to work closely with local government authorities, civil society organisations, environmental marshals, and security agencies. The Ministry may also adopt digital tracking systems and whistleblower mechanisms to enhance monitoring and enforcement.
House Leader Sanjo Adedoyin assured stakeholders of a balanced approach, noting, “We are providing a realistic timeline for businesses to adapt.”
He added, “However, once that window closes, we will be firm. The health of our environment is non-negotiable”.
The Bill prescribes a range of penalties for violators, beginning with warnings and compulsory environmental awareness training for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders may face significant fines, mandatory corporate social responsibility projects, or even closure of their business premises.
Manufacturers that continue producing single-use plastics after the expiration of the phase-out period will be subjected to a special environmental tax of not less than 500 per cent of the standard production tax.
Beyond prohibition, the legislation also promotes the development of biodegradable and compostable alternatives. It proposes support for local manufacturers, access to technical assistance, and encouragement of research and development through collaborations with academic and research institutions.
Incentives outlined in the Bill include tax waivers, grants, subsidies, and preferential procurement policies for businesses that produce eco-friendly alternatives.
Furthermore, medium and large-scale enterprises operating within the state will be required to demonstrate corporate environmental responsibility by engaging in community sanitation initiatives and regular environmental clean-up exercises.
The proposed law also emphasises strengthening recycling efforts through investments in waste collection, sorting, and recycling facilities, as well as public-private partnerships to establish recycling hubs across local government areas.