The Lagos State Government has announced that the ban on Single-Use Plastics, including pet bottles and sachet water, will take effect from January 2025 . This move is part of the government’s efforts to reduce plastic waste and mitigate its harmful effects on the environment.
Recall that the state government had banned the use of styrofoam in all government establishments and across the state following the increasing prevalence of plastic waste and its negative effect on the environment in recent years.
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to ban single-use plastics, including styrofoam, due to environmental concerns. Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab stated that the ban is necessary as styrofoam and other single-use plastics are clogging drainage channels and causing flooding in the state .
Stakeholders are urging the government to implement the ban in phases instead of enforcing it all at once. This approach would allow businesses and individuals to adjust to the new regulations gradually.
He said: “Plastic waste materials make up a significant proportion of solid wastes and litter the metropolis.
“It has become a highly visible part of the waste stream, PET, Styrofoam and nylon for sachet water, popularly called ‘pure water’ commonly being used for water and beverages, take away plates and cups, carrier bags, among others.
“This development is posing environmental challenges ranging from ecosystem degradation, Drainage clogging and flooding, Lagoon and Ocean debris with attendant harm to humans resulting in high socio-economic impacts on the state.
“It will improve the situation of the State’s drainage channels and reduce plastic pollution in the marine environment.
While the implementation of the ban on Styrofoam commenced on February 12, 2024, upon the expiration of a three-month moratorium, the State announced a six-month moratorium period for SUPs which was later magnanimously extended till the end of the year 2024 upon Stakeholders appeal to give room for more consultation while the ban on SUPs be effective by January 2025.”
The Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria, ATWAP, is urging the Lagos State Government to implement the ban on single-use plastics in phases. Mosaku Ololade, the chairperson of ATWAP, emphasized that they’ve been engaging with the government and sensitizing their members about the planned ban. With over 2,000 members in Lagos and 10,000 workers, Ololade requested a phased implementation to allow for ample time for compliance.
It’s worth noting that the Lagos State Government announced the ban on single-use plastics, including styrofoam, back in January 2024 . The government cited environmental concerns, such as clogged drainage channels and pollution, as the reason for the ban. However, ATWAP is seeking a more gradual approach to minimize disruptions to their industry.
