The Lagos State Government has clarified that its forthcoming statewide enforcement on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) ban does not include PET bottles, sachet water – commonly known as ‘pure water’ –, or nylon carrier bags thicker than 40 microns.
THE WHISTLER reports that the state government announced on Sunday that full enforcement of the ban on certain SUPs will commence across Lagos on July 1.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, reiterated that the government’s position remains unchanged.
According to him, the ban applies strictly to specific items such as styrofoam food packs, all forms of polystyrene (disposable) cups, plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and single-use carrier bags or nylons with a thickness below 40 microns.
“Other items banned in the single use plastics category are plastic straws, plastic cutlery and all single use carrier bags and nylons that have less than 40 micron thickness,” Wahab stated, according to the Director Public Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Kunle Adeshina.
Wahab also revealed that, as part of measures to underscore the seriousness of the policy, the state has inaugurated the newly established Plastic Waste Management Fund.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the state government, producers, and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs).
The fund, which will be financed through contributions from producers and major importers, is aimed at addressing plastic waste challenges in the state and will be jointly managed by all stakeholders involved.
He further emphasized the government’s determination to begin full enforcement of the ban on July 1, following the conclusion of an 18-month moratorium.
It will be recalled that on January 21, 2024, the Lagos State Government officially banned the use and distribution of styrofoam and certain SUPs in a bid to curb environmental pollution across the state.
