By Mohammed Adekola
Lagos State government has announced plans to ban the circulation of single-use plastics, such as pet bottles and sachet water, among others, from January 2025 across the state.
This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, at a stakeholders’ workshop and awareness on the implementation of the ban on usage of Styrofoam and SUPs for packaging in Lagos.
Represented by the Special Adviser on The Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, the Commissioner explained that the ban, set to commence in January 2025, is part of measures by the State Government to put in place policy guidelines for plastic utility to further ensure sustainable management of plastic waste, healthy and safe environment.
Wahab added that the policy guideline will also be backed up with appropriate legal framework to be established through an enabling law. He disclosed that Lagos presently generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste products monthly, with plastics making up over 60 percent.
Wahab emphasized that, “Plastic waste materials make up a significant proportion of solid wastes and litter the metropolis. “It has become a highly visible part of the waste stream, PET, Styrofoam and nylon for sachet water, popularly called “pure water” commonly being used for water and beverages, take away plates and cups, carrier bags, among others.