Korede Abdullah in Lagos
From July 1, 2025 (today), the Lagos State Government will commence full enforcement of its ban on single-use plastics, including styrofoam, across the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, confirmed that the exercise will begin with a press conference at Alausa before enforcement teams move to various markets.
This decision follows the state’s earlier ban on styrofoam in all government establishments, aimed at tackling the growing menace of plastic waste choking drainage systems and polluting waterways.
Traders Express Concerns
However, traders in Lagos markets have expressed deep concerns about the immediate impact of the ban on their businesses. “Most of our food packaging depends on these disposable plates and cups. The alternatives are more expensive and will increase our costs,” lamented Mrs. Bose Adeyemi, a food vendor at Iyana-Ipaja Market.
Another trader, Chuka Nwankwo, who sells takeaway items, said, “Many of us may lose customers if prices go up overnight. We need more time to adapt.”
Beyond the fears of traders, many residents are also worried about practical alternatives and affordability. Some Lagosians argued that the government should have first ensured a steady supply of cheaper eco-friendly packaging options before clamping down.
“The idea is good for the environment but they should phase it gradually. Poor people will bear the cost,” said Ibrahim Adekunle, a resident of Egbeda.
Stakeholders have urged the state to consider phased implementation rather than outright enforcement to reduce the burden on small businesses.
Ban is to Safeguard Public Health
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stressed during a stakeholders’ workshop in Ikeja that the ban is crucial for safeguarding public health and the environment.
Wahab explained that plastic waste accounts for a significant portion of the over 13,000 tonnes of waste generated daily in Lagos and can take up to a thousand years to degrade.
“This policy is not only for us but for generations yet unborn,” he said, noting that the state will back the move with an enabling legal framework while working to improve drainage, reduce marine pollution, and enhance the overall quality of life for Lagosians.
Africa Health Report (AHR) recalls that the state government in January 2024 pronounced a ban on Styrofoam plastics and single-use-plastics to reduce the harmful environmental and health impacts of these materials on human health and the ecosystem.
