Lagos, Feb. 3, 2025 – The Lagos State Government is to commence full enforcement of the ban on single use plastics in the state.
Tokunbo Wahab, the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, disclosed this at a meeting with members of the Food and Beverages Recyclers Alliance (FBRAN).
Kunle Adeshina, the Director (Public Affairs) in the ministry, gave details of the meeting in a statement on Thursday.
According to the the statement, the state commissioner said Lagos State Government had begun enforcement of the ban since January 2025.
He said the stakeholder engagement would be a monthly affair which would accompanied by massive advocacy and public sensitisation before full enforcement.
“We are now in February, and we are involving critical stakeholders. What we have agreed is to continue with serious engagement and advocacy with the association before the commencement of full enforcement.
“We all understand that enforcing this ban will affect FBRA members one way or the other—as business owners, manufacturers, and suppliers.
“So, part of this gathering was about the enforcement, and I believe before the end of this month, there will be another engagement to finalise the modalities for full enforcement,” he said.
He said that unlike styrofoam, SUPs are more complex, and the government is committed to implementing the ban correctly and sustainably.
However, he expressed satisfaction that FBRA members fully support the ban, recognizing its necessity.
“So, that means there is unity of purpose in implementing the ban. Both sides will continue discussions beyond enforcement—taking into account extended producer responsibilities, funding mechanisms, and operational frameworks.
“We need to determine who will be involved from both the government and FBRA so that they can work hand in hand to establish proper modalities and a clear roadmap,” Wahab stated.
He clarified that the government is not banning sachet water but only single-use plastics of less than 40 microns.
“We want to assure all Lagosians that the government is not banning pure water. We shall buy the sachets back, and we are working on the buyback process. I’m also glad that several interventions for recycling and reusing pure water sachets are in progress.
“By next week, we plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LAFARGE for a specific reuse initiative from their factory. These are the measures we are putting in place,” he said.
Wahab reiterated that the SUP ban will take full effect this year with FBRA’s collaboration ensuring seamless implementation.
He also acknowledged that major supermarkets and retail outlets have already adopted measures, such as selling plastic bags to discourage indiscriminate disposal.
“I want to plead with Lagosians to support the government in the ban on styrofoam and, as we move to the next phase—the ban on single-use plastics.
“Lagosians should see this as a necessary step to address a pressing issue and support the government in its implementation.
“We will also be considerate in enforcement, ensuring we clean the system of plastic waste, promote reuse and recycling, and preserve our landfills from unnecessary waste,” the commissioner said.
Earlier, Ziad Maclouf,the state Chairman of FBRA, had welcomed the SUP ban and pledged the readiness of the association to introduce new systems that will provide economically and environmentally friendly alternatives.
“The association fully supports the state government’s initiative and is encouraging customers to transition to thicker plastic bags.
“We are also exploring ways to educate consumers on waste separation and how they can generate income from it,” the statement said.
