Lagos State is gearing up to enforce a complete ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) starting this January 2025. Environment Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab made the announcement, stating that this move is expected to significantly decrease waste in the state.

Wahab noted that there has been a noticeable improvement in the amount of styrofoam littering in Lagos since the initial implementation of the ban. The state administration is now taking it a step further by completely outlawing single-use plastics.

According to Wahab, discussions are underway to determine how to phase out SUPs, and enforcement is set to begin before the end of January. The commissioner emphasized that the complete prohibition of SUPs is irreversible.

This development is part of the Lagos State Government’s efforts to reduce environmental pollution. On January 21, 2024, the state banned the use and distribution of styrofoam and other SUPs to reduce environmental pollution across the state.

The state is also introducing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy, focusing on plastic items such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and thicker carrier bags (40 microns or more). This policy will hold producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their plastic products, including their collection, recycling, and disposal.