The Lagos State Government has restated that its impending ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs), which comes into full enforcement on July 1, 2025, does not include sachet water packs, PET bottles, or nylon carrier bags thicker than 40 microns.
This clarification was issued on Tuesday by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, in response to widespread misinformation circulating online, claiming that the ban encompasses all categories of plastic products.
Commissioner Wahab emphasized that the state’s position remains unchanged and that the targeted items under the SUP ban are specifically styrofoam food packs, polystyrene cups, plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and single-use carrier bags or nylons with a thickness of less than 40 microns.
“There’s no ambiguity in our directive. We are targeting specific high-polluting items. PET bottles, sachet water bags, and thicker carrier bags are not affected by the ban,” Wahab clarified.
In a further demonstration of its commitment to tackling plastic pollution, the Lagos State Government has also inaugurated the Plastic Waste Management Fund, a joint initiative between the State, Producers, and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs).
The fund will be primarily financed by major producers and importers, and jointly managed to sustainably address plastic waste management in the state.
The Commissioner reiterated that the enforcement of the ban will commence as scheduled on July 1, 2025, following an 18-month moratorium granted since the ban was first announced in January 2024.
The State Government urged residents, businesses, and manufacturers to adhere strictly to the guidelines, as violators will face legal penalties upon the commencement of enforcement.
“We have given ample time for adjustment. The responsibility to protect our environment is a shared one, and the time for action is now,” Wahab concluded.
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