LAGOS/Nigeria: The Lagos State Government has announced that the enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) will commence soon, following extensive discussions with key stakeholders, including the Food and Beverages Recycling Alliance (FBRA).
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on Thursday during a meeting with FBRA members at the ministry’s conference room. He emphasized the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, stating that Lagos is strategic and intentional about eliminating single-use plastics.
Wahab noted that the meeting focused on extended producer responsibilities and FBRA’s contributions to the state’s waste management framework. He commended the alliance for its efforts and stressed that ongoing engagements would help fine-tune enforcement strategies. “We are involving critical stakeholders in this process and will continue with serious engagement and advocacy before full enforcement begins,” he said.
The commissioner recalled that the state had begun enforcing a ban on styrofoam in January 2024, with plans to extend the restriction to SUPs within a year. He clarified that the government is not banning pure water sachets but intends to implement a buyback scheme to encourage recycling. He also revealed plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lafarge to repurpose collected plastic waste.
Speaking on behalf of FBRA, Chairman Ziad Maclouf welcomed the development, describing it as long overdue. He pledged the alliance’s support for the government’s initiative and highlighted efforts to introduce environmentally friendly alternatives. “We are encouraging our customers to adopt thicker plastic bags and educating them on waste separation and recycling opportunities,” Maclouf stated.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition, urging Lagosians to support the initiative as part of efforts to create a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
