The Lagos State Government has officially announced that the ban on single-use plastics, such as PET bottles and sachet water, among other common plastic items, will take effect across the state starting from January 2025. This initiative is part of the government’s broader environmental sustainability strategy aimed at tackling plastic pollution and its harmful effects on the ecosystem.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, made the announcement during an event in Ikeja on Tuesday, October 2. He emphasized the urgent need to address the environmental hazards caused by the widespread use of single-use plastics. “Plastic waste materials constitute a significant proportion of the solid waste found in Lagos. These materials litter the streets, clog drainage systems, and pose a serious threat to the overall ecosystem,” Wahab stated. He further explained that the ban would cover items such as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles used for beverages, Styrofoam packaging, nylon bags used for sachet water (popularly referred to as ‘pure water’), take-away plates, cups, and plastic carrier bags.
The commissioner pointed out that the overuse of these plastic products has contributed to severe environmental challenges. Among the issues highlighted were ecosystem degradation, drainage system blockages that contribute to flooding, and the accumulation of plastic debris in the lagoon and ocean. This debris poses a direct threat to marine life and human health, further amplifying the socio-economic impact on the state. The resulting environmental challenges have significantly affected the quality of life in Lagos, leading to regular flooding in many areas due to clogged drainage systems and exacerbating the pollution of the city’s waterways.
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In addition to the ecological damage, the Commissioner highlighted the socio-economic costs of managing plastic waste in Lagos. The state government spends considerable resources on cleaning up plastic litter, maintaining drainage systems, and addressing the flooding issues that arise due to plastic blockages. By implementing the ban, the state aims to reduce the burden on its drainage infrastructure, thereby minimizing the risk of flooding, improving waste management, and protecting marine life in the state’s coastal and lagoon areas.
This ban is seen as a critical step in addressing the growing plastic pollution problem in Lagos, with the government aiming to foster a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment. Wahab noted that the transition period leading up to 2025 would provide ample time for businesses, consumers, and waste management stakeholders to adjust to the new regulations, and switch to more sustainable alternatives. He added that the initiative would likely have long-term benefits, not only improving the state’s drainage systems but also reducing the volume of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean and harming marine ecosystems.
In the coming months, the government plans to engage in extensive public awareness campaigns and consultations with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to a plastic-free environment by January 2025. This decision underscores Lagos State’s commitment to tackling environmental issues and setting an example for other regions in Nigeria and beyond in the fight against plastic pollution.