The Lagos State Government has announced plans to ban single-use plastics, including PET bottles and sachet water, starting January 2025 to tackle the growing plastic waste problem in the state.
This follows a prior ban on styrofoam in January 2024 across government establishments and the state.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that during a stakeholders’ workshop, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that the ban is part of the state’s sustainable plastic waste management initiative.
Wahab emphasized that the new policy, supported by a legal framework, aims to protect the environment and reduce the adverse effects of plastic pollution, which makes up over 60% of Lagos’ monthly waste.
Wahab noted that plastic waste contributes to drainage blockages, flooding, and ecosystem damage, with high socio-economic costs for the state.
The policy aligns with Lagos’ Development Plan and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES’ Plus Agenda, aiming to improve the economy and environment through better plastic waste management.
Stakeholders, including the Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP), urged the government to phase in the ban to ensure smoother compliance and reduce the impact on businesses, especially in the current economic climate.
ATWAP chairperson Mosaku Ololade emphasized the association’s willingness to cooperate but requested a phased implementation to allow their members time to adapt.
The government hopes that sustainable waste management will not only address environmental concerns but also create economic value by formalizing the waste-picking sector, easing pressure on landfills, and reducing marine pollution.
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