By Fatima Saka
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs), announcing that full enforcement will commence soon.
This was disclosed during a meeting on Thursday between state officials and members of the Food and Beverages Recycling Alliance (FBRA).
During the meeting, held at the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab emphasized the state’s strategic and deliberate approach to implementing the ban.
In a press statement signed by Kunle Adeshina, Director (Public Affairs), Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Wahab highlighted that discussions focused on the extended producer responsibility (EPR) program and FBRA’s ongoing initiatives to support the government’s sustainability goals.
“We commended their efforts, and we agreed on key strategies to strengthen our collaboration,” Wahab said.
He recalled that in January 2014, the Lagos State Government initiated the enforcement of a ban on styrofoam and had planned to extend it to other SUPs after 12 months.
Wahab explained that stakeholder engagement would now be a continuous, monthly exercise, complemented by public awareness campaigns before full enforcement begins.
“We are now in February, and we are actively engaging stakeholders. What we have agreed upon is to continue serious dialogue and advocacy with FBRA before full enforcement. We recognize that the enforcement will impact FBRA members as business owners, manufacturers, and suppliers. That’s why we are carefully working out the modalities,” he said.
The commissioner acknowledged that banning single-use plastics is more complex than banning styrofoam. However, he reassured stakeholders that the government is committed to finding a sustainable solution that balances environmental concerns with economic realities.
“Unlike styrofoam, single-use plastics present greater challenges, but we are determined to implement this ban the right way. Thankfully, FBRA members fully support the government’s position. They recognize that this ban is necessary, perhaps even more than we do,” Wahab stated.
He added that discussions would continue on extended producer responsibility (EPR), funding mechanisms, and defining the roles of both the government and private sector in ensuring a smooth transition.
Wahab also clarified misconceptions about the ban, stating that the government is not banning ‘pure water’ but restricting the use of single-use plastics below 40 microns.
“We want Lagosians to understand that we are not banning pure water. Instead, we are establishing a buyback system for sachets and working on a sustainable recycling framework. Next week, we plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lafarge on an innovative recycling initiative,” he revealed.
He further noted that major supermarkets and retail outlets in Lagos have already started implementing sustainable practices by charging customers for plastic bags, discouraging unnecessary disposal.
“I urge Lagosians to support the government’s environmental policies. As we transition from the styrofoam ban to the next phase of banning single-use plastics, we must all recognize the importance of reducing plastic waste through recycling and reusing,” Wahab added.
FBRA Chairman Ziad Maclouf described the ban as a long-overdue initiative that the association fully supports. He announced that the FBRA is introducing alternative packaging solutions that benefit both the economy and the environment.
“Our association is actively encouraging customers to adopt thicker, reusable plastic bags. We are also educating them on waste separation techniques that allow them to earn money from recyclable materials,” Maclouf said.
With all parties aligned on the need for a sustainable waste management system, Lagos State moves closer to enforcing the ban on single-use plastics, ensuring a cleaner and greener environment for its residents.
