The Lagos State Government will enforce a ban on single-use plastics, including PET bottles and sachet water, starting January 2025. This policy aims to reduce plastic waste, unclog drainage systems, and minimize marine pollution.
The Lagos State Government has announced a ban on single-use plastics, including PET bottles and sachet water, set to take effect in January 2025. This decision aims to reduce the environmental damage caused by plastic waste, which has clogged drainage systems and contributed to flooding and marine pollution.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that plastic materials like Styrofoam, nylon, and PET bottles are highly visible in the waste stream and have severe socio-economic impacts on Lagos' environment. The government had already banned Styrofoam in 2024 and granted an extension for stakeholders to adjust to the ban on single-use plastics.
While the move is praised by some for its potential environmental benefits, it has sparked mixed reactions online. Social media users have expressed concerns about how the ban may affect daily life. One user sarcastically commented, “Ban everything except agbero,” while another questioned what alternatives will be available for average Nigerians, considering the rising cost of bottled water. Others suggested a focus on recycling efforts rather than outright bans, arguing that education on recycling could be more effective. A user humorously added, “What’s left to ban? Life itself?”
