Lagos plastic ban: Environmental advocates call for robust implementation

Lagos plastic ban: Environmental advocates call for robust implementation

As the Lagos State Government prepares to implement its ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) on July 1, environmental advocates have called for a more robust, inclusive, and transparent approach to the policy to avoid failure.

They also cautioned that failure to address key gaps could undermine the effectiveness of the ban.

They made the disclosure in seperate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

Dr Leslie Adogame, the Executive Director of Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development, emphasised that the Lagos State Government must demonstrate full commitment to eradicating SUPs from the streets and not mere lip service to the issue.

“If Lagos truly wants to retain its status as the Centre of Excellence and demonstrate real commitment to waste management, then SUPs must be taken completely off the streets.

“Exempting PET bottles and sachet water—some of the most visible pollutants—is unacceptable. The government should give clear timelines for a full ban on these as well. Anything short of this undermines the policy,” Adogame said.

He said that without a strong Extended Producer Responsibility framework expanding the list of banned items would have limited effect.

He added that the legacy plastic waste already present in the environment may take up to five years to clean.

Also, the Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative, Mr Philip Jakpor, criticised the government’s exemption of PET bottles and some sachet water.

Jakpor noted that these are among the most common pollutants in Lagos.

“Leaving these out of the ban reflects a disconnect from the actual pollution reality on the ground.

“However, we must commend Lagos for being the first state in Nigeria to make such a move. While some SMEs may be affected, this is also an opportunity for innovation and investment in eco-friendly alternatives like paper bags,” Jakpor said. Online newspaper subscriptions

He also warned of the broader environmental consequences, citing scientific evidence of plastics entering the food chain through aquatic life, thus threatening both food security and public health.

Mr Michael Simire, the Executive Director of EnviroNews Advocacy & Campaigns for Sustainability, noted that Lagos generates between 13,000 and 15,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, much of it made up of SUPs.

“SUPs clog waterways, release microplastics into the environment, and contribute to health problems. This ban is environmentally beneficial and timely.

“However, its success depends on effective implementation and consideration of the socio-economic realities, especially for small-scale vendors who rely on SUPs,” Simire said.

Simire urged the government to collaborate with local businesses, communities, and environmental groups to ensure smooth implementation and reduce the risk of increased poverty among vulnerable groups.

Meanwhile, Mrs Funmilayo Balogun, a nylon producer in Lagos, expressed concern that the ban, without supportive measures, could lead to higher unemployment.

“The ban will hurt small businesses and increase unemployment, especially among waste pickers who rely on SUPs for their livelihood.

“The government should empower waste pickers with appropriate equipment and technology to handle plastic waste more effectively,” Balogun said.

NAN reports that as Lagos prepares to enforce its SUPs ban, these environmental voices are urging the government to go beyond symbolism and ensure a practical, fair, and sustainable solution that benefits both people and the planet.

(NAN)