Lagos begins full enforcement of single-use plastic ban starting July 1 after grace period ends.
Offenders face closure and prosecution as state targets a cleaner, flood-free environment.
The Lagos State Government has announced that from Tuesday, July 1, 2025, it will begin strict enforcement of its ban on specific single-use plastic items, with penalties for non-compliance including sealing of premises and legal sanctions. The move marks the end of a six-month grace period, initially granted to give businesses time to transition to environmentally friendly alternatives.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the declaration during a press conference on Tuesday, stressing the government’s firm commitment to combating environmental degradation and urban flooding across the state.
According to Wahab, the ban targets four major single-use plastic products that pose the highest threat to Lagos’ environment:
- Styrofoam packs
- Plastic straws
- Lightweight nylon bags (under 40 microns)
- Disposable cutlery and cups
“These items are responsible for clogging drains, polluting the marine ecosystem, and creating an unsustainable waste burden on our landfills,” Wahab said. “We will not compromise. Any market, shop, or vendor found storing or selling these banned plastics will be sealed and prosecuted under Lagos State environmental laws.”
The commissioner emphasized that only plastic products below 40 microns are banned, and producers can still transport stock outside Lagos State if needed. He also dismissed fears of job losses, assuring that the transition to eco-friendly alternatives would create more sustainable employment opportunities across recycling and green product manufacturing sectors.
“This is a public health and environmental safety issue. Over 70 countries and major cities have adopted similar bans, starting with Bangladesh in 2002. Lagos cannot be left behind,” Wahab noted.
As part of its implementation strategy, the state has introduced covert enforcement mechanisms and surveillance to identify violators. The effort is also aimed at reducing pressure on waste management systems, as several landfills in Lagos are nearing full capacity.
In a related development, the Lagos government is also enforcing noise regulation permits for nightclubs, event venues, and religious centers that use amplified sound systems. This is in line with the state’s broader push for urban environmental discipline and improved quality of life for residents.
The ban aligns with global best practices and reflects Lagos’ ambition to become a cleaner, more resilient megacity. Residents and business owners are urged to adopt biodegradable alternatives and play their part in safeguarding the state’s future.
