Lagos Govt To Enforce Ban On Single Use Plastics
The Lagos State Government has announced that full enforcement of the ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) will begin across the state on July 1.
It would be recalled that Lagos on January 21, 2024, banned the use and distribution of styrofoam and other single use plastics to reduce environmental pollution across the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement while speaking during a courtesy visit by the management of Tetra Pak West Africa Limited in Alaska, Ikeja over the weekend.
Having extended the commencement of enforcement by 18, Wahab noted that the government gave everyone ample time to adjust.
“When we announced the ban of Styrofoam food packs in 2024, we also announced that in the next 12 months we are taking out all single use plastics.
“Within the space of almost 18 months now, we believe that we have given everyone the opportunity to transition: bearing in mind that enforcement did not commence since January this year, but we are going to start by July 1,2025 and heavens will not fall,” a statement on Sunday by the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Kunle Adeshina, quoted him as saying.
The Commissioner emphasized that the government had engaged with industry stakeholders, including members of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBBRA), and that there is now no excuse for non-compliance.
“When producers, with due respect, seek to undermine the system and seek to do things that are not done in any civilised country, we must be insistent that the right things must be done by making them responsible,” he added.
Wahab highlighted that the complexity of single use plastics was considered in the state’s decision to delay enforcement.
However, he stressed that 18 months was sufficient for any serious producer to adapt.
He also warned against attempts to bypass the government or act without transparency.
“18 months is enough time to see the traction and we seek your cooperation as well as your support. I would like to reiterate that whatever you are doing, let the government be in the know of it.
“Do not blindside the state because there will be consequences for that; Globally, Producers have the responsibilities for their products by just tracking them; I will like to appeal to you to let us just do the same,” he said.
Earlier, Managing Director of Tetra Pak West Africa, Mr. Haithem Debbiche, expressed support for the ban, calling it a positive move toward environmental responsibility.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainability and collaboration with the government.
Wahab concluded that the ultimate goal is to create a cleaner, healthier Lagos where producers play a key role in tracking and managing the lifecycle of their products.
The enforcement of the SUP ban follows the successful implementation of the ban on Styrofoam food packs, which took effect in 2024.
Lagos Govt To Enforce Ban On Single Use Plastics is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
