Lagos begins the full application of the prohibition of disposable-thage plastics

By Ayo Kehinde

The State Government of Lagos has started the vast scale application of the ban on disposable plastics (SUP) throughout the state, reporting a large push on the environmental sustainability agenda.

The exercise of application, which had an effect on Tuesday 1 July 2025, follows a transition period of 18 months granted to residents, producers and companies to gradually eliminate the use of SUP and adopt ecological alternatives.

Contacting the journalists of Alausa, Ikeja, commissioner for the environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the measure as a fundamental to safeguard the environment and mitigate the vulnerability of Lagos to the risks induced by the climate.

“This decision is not arbitrary – it is existential. Lagos is a coastal city below sea level, which covers only 3,575 square kilometers, but houses about 10% of the population of Nigeria. That density only has a significant environmental risk,” said Wahab.

He recalled that the state government had, in January 2024, the use of polystyrene food packets prohibited, warning at the moment that he would follow a wider ban on disposable plastics.

“Almost 18 months later, we believe that a time has been expected to adapt to everyone. The application has now started and the skies will not fall,” he said.

The articles now prohibited pursuant to the new application regime include polystyrene food packages, due to their non -biodegradable nature and long -term environmental damage; plastic straws, aimed at reducing plastic waste and encouraging biodegradable alternatives; Many of use -free plastic and cutlery, aimed at curbing the pollution from increasing plastic; and light nylon bags, which are put out of the out of their inability to decompose and their contribution to the drainage blocks and floods.

Wahab warned that the offenders will be pursued in line with the provisions of the environmental laws of the state, underlining that there would be no exemptions.

The commissioner urged food sellers, retailers, market traders and other parties interested in supporting politics, which has stated that he aligned with wider environmental reforms to face recurrent floods, improve public health and protect the fragile ecosystem of the state.

“We are not only forbidden plastic, but we are preserving the future of Lagos,” said Wahab.

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