The Lagos State Government has started enforcing the state-wide ban on single-use plastics, or SUPs, that are smaller than 40 microns.
This was revealed at a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday by Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources.
Wahab warned everyone to refrain from doing so and threatened to seal any store found to be selling or storing SUPs.
There will be no reversal of the July 1 enforcement of Lagos State’s prohibition on single-use plastics smaller than 40 microns.
“LASG has implemented various enforcement tactics to implement this prohibition. These tactics won’t be revealed just yet, though.
Additionally, let me stress that any market or establishment that is discovered to be keeping or selling SUPs smaller than 40 microns will be closed and its contents seized.
“The offenders will be punished in accordance with Lagos State’s environmental laws,” he declared.
The commissioner stated that the ministry’s ban had been well known.
“We told everyone that certain types of food containers will be prohibited beginning in January 2025 when we announced the ban on styrofoam containers in January 2024.
Following a number of consultations and presentations with interested parties, the state granted a further six-month grace period in January 2025, which ended today.
“Many, however, believed that the state government will succumb to pressure and blackmail laced with half truths to consider another shift in date. This will not happen,” he said.
He added that the decision on the ban was majorly because of the safety and well-being of Lagos residents, which would not be compromised.
“We do not intend to join issues with any group or association who are only selfishly interested in profiteering.
“It is a no-brainer that no jobs will be lost during this transition while more jobs will be created when the producers and distributors decide to embrace the safe options which will also ensure a sustainable environment.
“Lagos State has not banned the production of all the categories of plastics, however, producers and distributors of the banned items in the state have the option of selling them outside our state.
“Just to be clear, the following items are prohibited, along with the reasons why: Plastic straws should be outlawed to cut down on plastic waste and encourage sustainability, he added, adding that Styrofoam packs should be outlawed for their detrimental effects on the environment.
He also claims that in order to reduce plastic pollution in the environment, lightweight nylon bags and disposable plastic cups and cutlery should be prohibited.
It simply indicates that the manufacturers have no intention of complying if, following an 18-month ban, they are unable to adopt substitutes for SUPs.
“LASG, which is renowned for adopting best practices, will not neglect its obligations to its citizens and has joined the list of nations and states that have outlawed these types of plastics.
As a coastal state, Lagos is aware of the serious harm that SUPs and Styrofoam packs smaller than 40 microns can do to our ecosystem and drainage systems.
According to him, “this creates blockages, forcing the government to divert funds that should be used for other social services to the removal of debris from our drains.”
According to him, the restriction would help the state achieve its goal of reducing the amount of waste produced both within the state and at other landfills.
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