Lagos Enforces Ban On Disposable Nylon Bags, Plastic Straw, Styrofoam Packs

Lagos Enforces Ban On Disposable Nylon Bags, Plastic Straw, Styrofoam Packs

The Lagos State Government has commenced full enforcement of its ban on certain single-use plastics (SUPs), warning that from Tuesday, July 1, any shop, market, or outlet found selling, storing, or distributing the prohibited items will be sealed and the operators prosecuted.

This follows the expiration of a six-month grace period granted to residents and businesses to transition to environmentally friendly alternatives. That period ended on 30 June.

In a public notice circulated Tuesday, the permanent secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Gaji Tajudeed, listed items now under ban in the state as Styrofoam food packs, all forms of polystyrene cups (disposable cups), plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and nylon carrier bags of less than 40 micron thickness.

In Lagos and across Nigeria, these banned plastic items are a staple at parties, roadside food stalls, markets, fast-food outlets, joints, roadside vendors, and restaurant. From rice served in Styrofoam packs to pure water sachets and takeaway drinks in plastic cups, single-use plastics dominate food service and informal retail across the country.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, noted in a statement on Tuesday how the government ban on the items and grace period offered for ease of transition on the items had been taking for granted by some residents.

“We gave a six-month grace period which expired on June 30. Many thought we would delay enforcement, but it will not happen,” Mr Tokunbo said on his X handle.

The ban does not cover all plastic products but targets four major single-use plastic (SUP) items due to their non-biodegradable nature and contribution to environmental pollution.

The statement mentioned the specific banned items to include Styrofoam food packs, plastic straws, lightweight nylon bags and disposable plastic cups and cutlery.

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