As the Lagos State Government prepares to implement its ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, environmental advocates have called for a more robust, inclusive, and transparent approach to the policy to avoid failure.
They also cautioned that failure to address key gaps could undermine the effectiveness of the ban.
They made the disclosure in separate interviews on Monday, June 30, in Lagos.
Similarly, some traders in Lagos are lamenting the enforcement of the Lagos State Government ban on single use plastic on July 1. The ban prohibits the sale, and use of disposable plastic bags, including the widely used black nylon bags.
Dr Leslie Adogame, the Executive Director of Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development, emphasised that the Lagos State Government must demonstrate full commitment to eradicating SUPs from the streets and not mere lip service to the issue.
“If Lagos truly wants to retain its status as the Centre of Excellence and demonstrate real commitment to waste management, then SUPs must be taken completely off the streets.
“Exempting PET bottles and sachet water—some of the most visible pollutants—is unacceptable. The government should give clear timelines for a full ban on these as well. Anything short of this undermines the policy,” Adogame said.
He said that without a strong Extended Producer Responsibility framework expanding the list of banned items would have limited effect.
He added that the legacy plastic waste already present in the environment may take up to five years to clean.
Also, the Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative, Mr Philip Jakpor, criticised the government’s exemption of PET bottles and some sachet water.
Jakpor noted that these are among the most common pollutants in Lagos.
“Leaving these out of the ban reflects a disconnect from the actual pollution reality on the ground.
“However, we must commend Lagos for being the first state in Nigeria to make such a move. While some SMEs may be affected, this is also an opportunity for innovation and investment in eco-friendly alternatives like paper bags,” Jakpor said.
He also warned of the broader environmental consequences, citing scientific evidence of plastics entering the food chain through aquatic life, thus threatening both food security and public health.
Mr. Michael Simire, the Executive Director of EnviroNews Advocacy & Campaigns for Sustainability, noted that Lagos generates between 13,000 and 15,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, much of it made up of SUPs.
“SUPs clog waterways, release microplastics into the environment, and contribute to health problems. This ban is environmentally beneficial and timely.
“However, its success depends on effective implementation and consideration of the socio-economic realities, especially for small-scale vendors who rely on SUPs,” Simire said.
Simire urged the government to collaborate with local businesses, communities, and environmental groups to ensure smooth implementation and reduce the risk of increased poverty among vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, Mrs Funmilayo Balogun, a nylon producer in Lagos, expressed concern that the ban, without supportive measures, could lead to higher unemployment.
“The ban will hurt small businesses and increase unemployment, especially among waste pickers who rely on SUPs for their livelihood.
“The government should empower waste pickers with appropriate equipment and technology to handle plastic waste more effectively,” Balogun said.
The policy has also drawn criticism from market traders and plastic manufacturers, who claim that the ban was rushed without providing accessible or affordable alternatives.
Mr. Tunde Adebayo, a manager at a plastic bag production facility at Costain area of the state, said the ban would most likely lead to the loss of jobs in the sector.
“This is our main business. If they stop plastic, what happens to our jobs? We employ over 40 staff. We’ve received no support or notice of alternatives from the government,” Adebayo said.
At Oyingbo market, where nylon bags are used daily to package perishable produce, like pepper, tomato, meat and vegetables, some traders say they were unaware of the ban or when it would take effect.
Mrs. Bimbo Adetola a trader for over 10 years at Oyingbo Market, said she was unaware of the ban or its enforcement in July.
“I do not even know what I will use to wrap tomatoes or meat, what do they expect us to use when they are banning plastics without an alternative in place.”
“The government should bring another option first before they ban nylon bags,” Adetola said.
Also, another trader simply known as Madam Ifeoma, said the traders would work their way around, in navigating what alternatives to use.
“If the ban the plastic nylons is enforced, we will try to manage what we have. We cannot give the goods to our customers in their bare hands, it cannot work that way,” she said.
Also, consumers and shoppers noted that they cannot afford alternatives to single use plastic yet.
As they claim biodegradable nylon bags are three times more expensive than regular nylon bags and many consumers cannot afford them.
A consumer known as Mr. Abdul Musa said even paper bags as alternatives are not strong enough to accommodate most perishable produce.
“Even with the availability of paper bags, what do you expect the shoppers to do when it rains?
“If the government does not provide workable solutions and alternatives following the plastic ban, people will find a way to still engage in single use plastic in secret,” Musa said.
As Lagos prepares to enforce its SUPs ban, these voices are urging the government to go beyond symbolism and ensure a practical, fair, and sustainable solution that benefits both people and the planet.
By Fabian Ekeruche, Kalu Alexander and Mercy Omoike