Lagos State will begin enforcement of its single-use plastic ban on 1 July 2025, targeting Styrofoam packs, plastic cutlery, and straws to reduce environmental pollution and health risks

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Lagos State Government has announced that enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) will officially begin on 1 July 2025, marking a bold step in Nigeria’s fight against plastic pollution.

Also read: World Environment Day: Lagos leads Africa’s fight against plastic pollution with bold reforms

The move aligns with global efforts to tackle the plastic waste crisis, as over 141 countries have already introduced bans or restrictions on various plastic products.

Nigeria, which generates over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, ranks among the world’s highest contributors to plastic pollution. A USAID study revealed that more than 70% of this waste ends up in landfills and waterways.

What the Ban Covers

The ban specifically targets high-pollution items such as:

Styrofoam food packs
Disposable cups
Plastic straws
Plastic cutlery
Thin single-use nylon bags

However, water sachets, PET bottles, and thicker nylon bags (above 40 microns) are exempt from the ban — a decision that reflects the current lack of widespread alternatives for essential water packaging and household use.

According to environmental experts, 50% of plastic waste comes from SUPs, which can take over 500 years to decompose.

These products clog drainages, pollute oceans, and threaten marine ecosystems. More alarmingly, microplastics have also been linked to serious health concern, including heart disease, obesity, reproductive disorders, and cancer.

As a coastal state below sea level with a land mass of just 3,575 square kilometres and housing about 10 per cent of Nigeria’s population, plastic waste poses a serious crisis. We did not arbitrarily wake up to ban Styrofoam in 2024.

Health Hazards of Plastic Use

A study published in eBioMedicine in April 2025 found that phthalates—chemicals used to strengthen plastics—pose a significant cardiovascular risk, especially in individuals aged 55 to 64. These phthalates are present in common items such as:

Food packaging
Household utensils
Personal care products
Vinyl flooring and clothing

The report adds urgency to Lagos’s effort to limit plastic exposure and develop alternatives.

Policy Support and Recommendations

In 2024, Nigeria’s Federal Government initiated a similar SUP ban within government offices, although nationwide enforcement remains unclear. Lagos’s leadership on the issue may serve as a model for other states to follow.

The Plastic Waste Management Fund, launched as a public-private collaboration, remains operational and is financed by contributions from major plastic producers and importers. The fund focuses on recycling infrastructure, plastic collection, and public education.

Also read: Lagos penalizes 580 restaurants, nightclubs over indoor smoking violations

Still, analysts argue that Lagos should extend the ban to include additional plastic items in the near future, while intensifying efforts to promote eco-friendly substitutes such as paper, bamboo, and glassware.