Plastic-Free Lagos: Government Cracks Down on Single-Use Items

Lagos Government Announces Plans to Ban Single-Use Plastics, Water Sachets

“Plastics waste materials make up a significant proportion of solid wastes and litter...”

Lagos State government announces ban on single-use plastics, sachet water, and other non-biodegradable items effective January. Read more.

Lagos State Government has announced plans to ban single-use plastics, including PET bottles and sachet water, starting January 2025. This move aims to tackle the growing problem of plastic waste and its harmful environmental impact.

The government had earlier prohibited styrofoam usage in all government facilities and across Lagos in January 2024. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that the decision was made due to the menace caused by single-use plastics, particularly non-biodegradable styrofoam, which clogs drainage channels and contributes to littering.

Key Concerns and Recommendations:

Industry Stakeholders' Concerns: Industry stakeholders urge the government to consider a phased approach to implementing the ban, rather than enforcing it outright.

Reasoning: They argue that gradual enforcement would ensure better compliance and consider the economic challenges currently facing citizens.

Proposed Solution: A phased approach would allow businesses to adapt and find alternatives to single-use plastics, minimizing economic disruption.

By banning single-use plastics, Lagos aims to mitigate environmental harm and promote sustainability. However, striking a balance between environmental concerns and economic realities is crucial for successful implementation.

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the upcoming ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam at a workshop held on October 3, 2024, at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) House in Ikeja. This move aims to tackle the environmental menace caused by these non-biodegradable items, which clog drainage channels and contribute to littering across major roads and markets.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders in the sector to raise awareness about the implementation of the ban. This isn't the state's first move to address plastic waste; in January 2024, the government prohibited the use of styrofoam in all government facilities and across Lagos.

As Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab has been driving efforts to protect the environment. He's directed the State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Kick Against Indiscipline to enforce the ban, warning producers and distributors to find alternatives or face heavy fines and penalties.

Key Pointers from the Announcement:

Ban on Single-Use Plastics and Styrofoam: Effective January 2025

Reason for Ban: Environmental harm caused by non-biodegradable items

Enforcement: LAWMA and Kick Against Indiscipline to clamp down on offenders

Alternative Measures: Encouraging reusable food containers and water bottles 

Lagos State's ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam, set to take effect in January 2025, is part of a larger initiative to promote a healthier environment through policy guidelines and legal frameworks. According to Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, represented by Special Adviser Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, this move aims to tackle the overwhelming plastic waste issue in the state.

Currently, Lagos produces a staggering 13,000 tonnes of waste monthly, with plastics making up over 60% of that total. To address this, the government plans to introduce a new law supporting the ban, ensuring a safer and more sustainable environment for its citizens. This effort is not new, as the state government had previously prohibited styrofoam usage in all government facilities and across Lagos in January 2024.

Key Highlights of the Ban:

Effective Date: January 2025

Coverage: Single-use plastics and styrofoam

Goal: Reduce plastic waste and promote a healthier environment

Supporting Law: New legislation to enforce the ban

Current Waste Statistics: 13,000 tonnes/month, with plastics accounting for over 60%.

The ban on single-use plastics in Lagos targets environmental sustainability, but achieving a harmonious balance between ecological concerns and economic interests is key to effective enforcement.

“Plastics waste materials make up a significant proportion of solid wastes and litter the metropolis,” Wahab said.

“It has become a highly visible part of the waste stream, PET, Styrofoam and nylon for sachet water, popularly called "pure water” commonly being used for water and beverages, take away plates and cups, carrier bags, among others.

“This development is posing environmental challenges ranging from Ecosystems degradation, Drainage clogging and flooding, Lagoon and Ocean debris with attendant harm to human resulting in high socio-economic impacts on the State.”

Effective plastic waste management is vital for achieving the Lagos State government's transformation goals, as outlined in the Lagos State Development Plan and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's THEMES Plus Agenda. By properly managing plastic waste, Lagos can turn what's typically considered trash into a valuable resource, yielding economic, social, and environmental benefits. This approach not only adds value to waste materials but also formalizes the waste-pickers' sector, improving their livelihoods and reducing the pressure on landfills.

Governor Sanwo-Olu's THEMES agenda focuses on six key areas: Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance The Health and Environment pillar is particularly relevant to plastic waste management, as it aims to create a cleaner and healthier Lagos.

By prioritizing sustainable plastic waste management, Lagos can mitigate environmental challenges like ecosystem degradation, drainage clogging, and flooding, ultimately promoting a better quality of life for its citizens. This initiative is part of the state's broader efforts to address waste management, which includes banning single-use plastics and styrofoam by January 2025.

“It will improve the situation of the State's drainage channels and reduce plastic pollution in the marine environment,” the commissioner stated.

Mosaku Ololade, the Lagos chairperson of the Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP), revealed that the organization has been actively engaging with the Lagos State Government to discuss the future implications of the impending ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam. Additionally, ATWAP has been educating its members on the planned ban, ensuring they are well-prepared for the transition. This collaborative effort demonstrates ATWAP's commitment to complying with the government's regulations and promoting sustainable practices in the packaged water industry. By working together, ATWAP and the Lagos State Government aim to ensure a smoother transition and minimize potential disruptions to the industry.

Mosaku Ololade, the Lagos chairperson of the Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP), recently stated, “We have been engaging Lagos State Government on the way forward and we have been sensitizing our members on the planned ban.” This comes as the Lagos State Government has announced plans to ban single-use plastics, including sachet water, starting January 2025, in an effort to reduce environmental harm caused by plastic waste.

Ololade emphasized ATWAP's willingness to collaborate with the government, urging them to continue engaging with the association and its members. He also requested a phased implementation of the ban, considering the impact on over 2,000 members and 10,000 workers in Lagos.

“We want the government to continue to engage us. We are a responsible association. We are ready to work with the government.

“We have over 2,000 members in Lagos alone with over 10,000 workers. We heeby, implore the government to implement the ban in phases to allow our members ample opportunity for compliance.

“There are lot of things to be put in place before coming up with total enforcement.”