Plastic ban hits Lagos: What you need to know

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00:00Our special report on Lagos single-use plastic ban now in full effect as of July 1, 2025.

00:07Here is the timeline and everything you need to know about this game-changing environmental policy.

00:13On January 21, 2024, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, led by Commissioner Tokuma

00:19Waab, announced an immediate ban on styrofoams and single-use plastics, citing their roles in

00:24blocking drains and arming the environment. Waab stated, Our state cannot be held hostage to the

00:30economic interest of a few, compared to the millions suffering from indiscriminate dumping.

00:36A three-week grace period followed for businesses to clear stocks.

00:39In August 2024, the Federal Ministry of Environment banned single-use plastics in the government

00:45offices, aligning with Lagos efforts. On October 3, 2024, Waab clarified at a

00:51stakeholders' workshop that the ban, said to expand in January 2025, would target items like plastic

00:58straws, cups, and nylon bags under 40 macarons, but exempt pet bottles and sachet water to protect

01:05affordable water assets. He emphasized this is a critical step for sustainable plastic waste management.

01:12On May 20, 2025, Waab addressed misinformation confirming the ban's enforcement will begin July 1,

01:192025, 2025, after an 18-month moratorium stating, The decision to ban single-use plastics is not

01:25arbitrary but driven by environmental and public health concerns. On June 5, 2025, celebrating World

01:33Environmental Day, Waab praised Governor Babaji de Sonwolu's leadership, saying, Plastic pollution was an

01:39ecological emergency until Governor Sonwolu stepped in. Sonwolu himself retreated the state's commitment,

01:47noting, We are building a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos through strategic environmental initiatives.

01:54As of July 1, 2025, enforcement is in full swing. Waab declared at a press conference,

01:59there is no going back. Any store selling banned plastic under 40 macarons will be sealed with fines of

02:06$250,000 for three months in prison. The Lagos Waste Management Authority and CAI are cracking down to

02:14protect the city's ecosystem. The ban tackles Lagos' 14,000 metric tons of daily waste, as revealed by

02:21the Lagos Ministry of Environment, aiming to reduce flooding and pollution. While businesses faces

02:27challenges with costly alternatives, Waab insists this shift will create new opportunities for eco-friendly

02:33industries. Lagosians, the ban is here to stay. Switch to reusable bags and eco-friendly options to

02:40support a cleaner city. To follow up on this story, visit our website at guardian.ng and follow us

02:47across social platforms at guardian.nigeria.