Lagos launches operation to seal outlets selling prohibited styrofoam, single-use plastics
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Lagos state government has announced the initiation of enforcement regarding the prohibition of styrofoam and single-use plastics that are thinner than 40 microns.
In a public notice released on Tuesday, signed by the permanent secretary, office of environmental services at the ministry of environment and water resources, Gaji Tajudeen, it was stated that this measure aims to safeguard public health and the environment.
Tajudeen responded to concerns about potential job losses resulting from the ban, calling such fears “unfounded and a cheap blackmail,” and underscored that the dangers posed by plastic pollution to drainage systems, marine ecosystems, and human health are significant.
“The primary responsibility of every government is the safety of lives and property. The administration in Lagos took the bold decision which many other subnational governments are now drawing from,” the notice goes over.
Hhowever the ministry dismissed allegations that it failed to engage extensively with stakeholders prior to enacting the ban, stating that it had conducted interactive sessions with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association, and other organizations since 2019.
MAN urged the state government to reconsider its decision to prohibit certain single-use plastics (SUPs), emphasizing that the decision lacked credible data and was “out of touch with reality.”
The association further contended that the ministry’s stance relies on unverified assertions regarding negative health and environmental effects, without any published research to back these claims.
Nonetheless, Tajudeen pointed out that studies on the health effects of plastics are readily available in the public domain, asserting that the state “does not necessarily need to establish a research institute to evaluate its impact on human health.”
He warned that markets and stores found selling or storing the banned items will be sealed by enforcement agencies, and the offending products will be confiscated.
The ministry said that those found culpable will be prosecuted in line with the state’s environmental laws.
Tokunbo Wahab, the commissioner of environment and water resources, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the move is part of efforts to reduce the volume of waste generated across the state and at its landfill sites, many of which are nearing decommissioning.
“Lagos State as a coastal state realises the enormous dangers that styrofoam packs and single-use plastics of less than 40 micron causes our drainage channels and ecosystem causing blockages and compelling the state government to channel funds that should be deployed for provision of other social services to clearing of debris from our drains.
“It is on this note that the state government is officially announcing that as from today, July 1, 2025, sale and use of styrofoam and single-use plastics in Lagos State is now prohibited and anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the state’s environmental laws.
“Let me also emphasize that any market/store that is found storing or engaging in the sale and distribution of the single-use plastics (less than 40 microns) will be sealed up by our enforcement agency and the items confiscated.
“This ban is expected to move the state towards realization of reduction of the quantum of waste generated in the state and at our different landfill sites, many of which are in the process of decommissioning,” he stated.
Items banned include styrofoam food packs, polystyrene cups (disposable cups), plastic straws, plastic cutlery and nylon carrier bags less than 40 microns.
While items allowed to be managed under extended producer responsibility (EPR) include PET bottles, water sachets, and thicker carrier bags (above 40 microns).
