Lagos to shut non-compliant shops as plastic ban takes effect

The Lagos State Government has announced that effective July 1, 2025, enforcement will begin on its ban of specific single-use plastic items, including Styrofoam food packs, plastic straws, lightweight nylon bags, and disposable cutlery.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said any business premises—including shops, markets, and distribution outlets—found in possession of these banned items will be sealed, and offenders prosecuted under state environmental laws.

The measure targets plastic materials under 40 microns in thickness, which Wahab described as a major contributor to clogged drains and widespread pollution across Lagos’ coastal zones.

“We gave a six-month grace period that expired on June 30. Enforcement begins immediately,” Wahab said.

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The ban, part of Lagos’ broader climate resilience and waste reduction agenda, is intended to reduce pressure on overstretched landfills and improve the state’s drainage infrastructure. The state government assured that producers and distributors are free to move such products out of Lagos but cannot store or sell them within the state.

Wahab dismissed fears that the policy would result in job losses, stating that transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives would generate new employment opportunities within the green economy.

“Over 70 countries have enacted similar bans. Lagos cannot be left behind,” Wahab noted, stressing that enforcement will include covert monitoring and unannounced inspections.

The move places Lagos alongside a growing global coalition of governments seeking to phase out non-biodegradable plastics to safeguard both public health and urban infrastructure.