The Lagos State Government has announced its firm resolve to commence full enforcement of the ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) across the state starting July 1, 2025. This declaration was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during a recent courtesy visit by the management team of Tetra Pak West Africa Limited at Alausa, Ikeja.

 

Commissioner Wahab emphasized that the decision to ban SUPs is an “existential one,” driven by critical environmental concerns unique to Lagos, a coastal state with the smallest land mass in Nigeria but harboring approximately 10% of the nation’s population. He highlighted the state’s proactive approach, which began with the ban on styrofoam food packs in 2024, followed by a 12-month phase-out period for all other SUPs.

“We believe that almost 18 months is more than enough time to transition.

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Enforcement will begin on July 1, 2025, and heavens will not fall,” Wahab declared, signaling the government’s unwavering commitment to the policy.

 

Wahab revealed that the state has been actively engaging with the Food and Beverages Recyclers Alliance (FBBRA), noting an encouraging 70% compliance rate so far. He underscored the crucial importance of producer accountability for their products, urging companies to adhere to environmental policies and avoid undermining the system.

 

“When producers, with due respect, seek to undermine the system and do things that are not acceptable in any civilized country, we must insist that the right thing be done,” Wahab stated. He reiterated that the government had provided an extended 18-month transition period—an initial 12 months with an additional six—to allow producers ample time to comply.

The Commissioner affirmed that the enforcement of the SUPs ban will be as stringent as the 2024 ban on styrofoam food packs. “By July 1, we will start full enforcement of the ban on Single-Use Plastics just as we did for styrofoam food packs. We believe this is reasonable enough,” he said.

 

Wahab urged companies to maintain transparency with the government and avoid blindsiding authorities, cautioning of potential consequences for non-compliance. He stressed that globally, producers are held responsible for tracking and recycling their products, and Lagos expects the same standard.

 

In a show of support, Mr. Haithem Debbiche, Managing Director of Tetra Pak West Africa Limited, expressed full endorsement of the ban, calling it a “welcome development.” “We are fully in support of the Lagos State Government’s laws and have been making significant progress, though we recognize there is still more to be done,” Debbiche stated.

 

Also present at the meeting were top government officials, including Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services; Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Drainage Services; Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA); and Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, General Manager, Waste Water Management Office.