Plastic ban: Lagos defends mall bag sales as eco-friendly move

The Lagos State Government has clarified and defended the practice of selling packing bags in some of its malls, asserting that it’s a move to align with international best practices and promote environmental sustainability through reuse.

This explanation follows complaints from some residents, as the state ramps up enforcement of its ban on single-use plastics

The ban, which officially commenced full-scale enforcement on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, targets plastics below 40 microns, including Styrofoam food packs, plastic straws, lightweight nylon bags, disposable cups, and plastic cutlery.

It’s a key initiative aimed at tackling environmental degradation and fostering sustainable living across Lagos.

Olawale Rotimi-Akodu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, addressed public concerns in a recent interview.

He explained that the sale of packing or packaging materials in malls isn’t unique to Lagos but is a common practice in advanced countries like those in Europe, America, and Asia. This, he emphasized, is part of Lagos State’s ambition to meet the standards of a modern city.

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Akodu stressed that the primary goal is to discourage waste and encourage customers to reuse the bags they purchase. He also highlighted that buying these bags in malls is entirely optional, and customers are free to bring their own reusable bags from home.

“It’s an optional thing. You have the option of bringing your own from your house. You can have it in your car and take it to the mall to contain your items,” Akodu clarified.

“The whole idea is just to try to change the culture. The malls are only helping to provide gaps. The gap is that people may not want to come with bags so they quickly make business out of that. If you can go with your bag, they have no benefit.”

Meanwhile, enforcement efforts are visibly intensifying. Officials from the state’s environmental agency, popularly known as KAI, were seen confiscating packs of nylons in markets on Lagos Island on Thursday, July 3, 2025, as part of the ongoing crackdown.

Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment, had previously announced that any business found storing, selling, or distributing the prohibited items would face severe penalties, including having their premises sealed, in line with Lagos’ environmental regulations.