May 20, 2025 – The Lagos State Government has confirmed that the new single use plastics ban coming into effect on July 1 does not include pure water sachets, PET bottles, or nylon bags thicker than 40 microns. This statement was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in response to false information spreading online.
Wahab explained that the ban only targets specific plastic products like styrofoam food packs, polystyrene cups, plastic straws, cutlery, and thin nylon bags under 40 microns. “Our position has not changed,” he said. “These items cause serious harm to our environment and are not recyclable through regular waste channels.”
To show how serious the state is about tackling plastic pollution, Lagos has launched a Plastic Waste Management Fund. This fund is supported by producers, importers, and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs). It will be used to reduce plastic waste and support better waste disposal systems.
This ban has been in the works since January 2024, and the state gave an 18-month moratorium to allow everyone time to adjust. Now, with the deadline approaching, enforcement will begin as planned.
The move is part of the government’s strategy to build a cleaner and safer environment while encouraging more eco-friendly packaging alternatives. By focusing on high-impact waste items, the government hopes to reduce flooding, improve drainage, and promote sustainable waste management in Lagos.
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Residents are urged to stay informed and stop spreading misleading claims about the ban. The government is only banning the plastics that are most harmful to the city’s environment.