By Abdullahi Lukman
The Lagos State Government (LASG) has clarified that its statewide ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) does not include PET bottles and sachet water.
The clarification, issued on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, was made by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, in response to viral misinterpretations regarding the scope of the ban.
In the statement, Wahab explained that items such as PET bottles and sachet water, along with nylon carrier bags thicker than 40 microns, are exempt from the ban.
The enforcement of the ban, which targets specific types of plastics, will come into effect on July 1, 2025.
“The ban only applies to certain Single Use Plastics, including styrofoam food containers, polystyrene cups, plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and single-use carrier bags or nylons that are less than 40 microns thick,” Wahab said, emphasizing that the government’s position has remained consistent since the original announcement in January 2024.
To further demonstrate the state’s commitment to tackling plastic waste, the government has inaugurated the Plastic Waste Management Fund.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between the state, plastic producers, and Producers Responsibility Organizations (PROs).
The fund is to be financed by contributions from producers and major importers to address the growing plastic waste problem in Lagos.
Wahab reiterated that the government is determined to enforce the ban after an 18-month moratorium, marking a decisive step in the state’s ongoing efforts to reduce plastic pollution.
