In a bold environmental move, the Lagos State Government has announced an immediate and full ban on single-use plastics — including nylons, styrofoam packs, and sachet water bags — across the state.
From markets to street vendors, the message is clear: “No more nylon, no excuses.”
The announcement was made Tuesday morning by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who stated that the decision comes after years of environmental degradation, drainage blockage, and flooding caused by indiscriminate plastic disposal.
“We can’t continue like this. Lagos generates over 13,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, and plastics are the biggest problem. This ban is long overdue,” Wahab said.
The ban affects nylon bags (commonly used in markets and shops), styrofoam food packs, disposable spoons and cups, and all single-use plastic packaging. The directive is effective immediately, though full enforcement will begin after a 30-day grace period.
The government has warned that defaulters will face heavy fines, confiscation of goods, or even business shutdowns. Monitoring teams from LAGESC (KAI), LAWMA, and LASEPA will be deployed across all 57 local councils.
Already, major markets like Oshodi, Balogun, and Mile 12 have been placed under surveillance. Traders are being told to switch to biodegradable paper bags, reusable totes, or plant-based packaging.
Mixed Reactions: ‘Good Plan, But E Hard’
The news has sparked major reactions online and offline.
@NaijaGreenQueen on X:
“Finally! Lagos is drowning in dirt. This is the kind of hard reset we need.”
@IjebuMamaGist replied:
“I dey support clean Lagos but where I go see paper bag for pepper and fish? Dem suppose give alternative first.”
Street vendor Habeeb Olalekan told Trending Naija News:
“How we go take serve beans and garri now? Even pure water na nylon. Dem suppose take am step by step, not just wake up ban everything.”
Can Lagos Lead the Way for Nigeria?
Lagos is the first Nigerian state to implement a statewide plastic ban, joining countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and Ghana that have taken similar steps in recent years. Environmentalists hail the move as bold and necessary, but warn that enforcement must be fair, phased, and backed by affordable alternatives.
As Lagosians adjust to life without nylon, the big question remains:
Will this be real change or another law that lives and dies on paper?