Video: Lagos intensifies crackdown on single-use plastics with major seizures at Oshodi market

Abdullateef Fowewe

Lagos State authorities have ramped up enforcement against banned single-use plastics, with significant seizures made at Oshodi Market during the second day of operations.

Video link: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSBB2xJo3/

The crackdown which started on Thursday at Alakoro market, Lagos island, led by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, targets the illegal trade of styrofoam packs and disposable cups despite longstanding directives and a year-long moratorium.

“Our teams have commenced the 2nd-day of rigorous enforcement operations at Oshodi Market, continuing our crackdown on banned single-use plastics.

“This morning, we seized significant quantities of styrofoam packs and disposable cups still being illegally traded despite clear directives, advocacies and over a year moratorium,” Wahab stated.

The operation follows warnings issued at Alakoro Market the previous day, signaling a systematic effort to rid Lagos’ commercial hubs of environmentally harmful materials.

However, Wahab emphasised the administration’s uncompromising stance stating, “Let this be unequivocal, there is zero tolerance for environmental sabotage in Lagos. Yesterday’s warnings at Alakoro Market and today’s seizures at Oshodi prove we are systematically eliminating these destructive materials from all commercial hubs.”

The ongoing enforcement is part of the #AGreaterLagosRising campaign, reflecting the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public health.

However, authorities have reiterated that the ban on single-use plastics remains in force, and violators will face strict penalties as Lagos moves toward a cleaner, greener future.