Some traders in Lagos State have expressed concern over adjusting to the full enforcement of the government’s ban on Single-Use Plastics ...
Some traders in Lagos State have expressed concern over adjusting to the full enforcement of the government’s ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) below 40 microns, which began on July 1, 2025.
A petty trader at Lawanson Market, Mrs. Ireti Adekoya, said that while she had known about the ban for months, she struggled with finding suitable alternatives.
“The ban is one thing, but what’s crucial is what alternatives are available to us,” Adekoya said.
“We were already struggling with substandard nylon bags before the ban. Now, not being able to use any bags at all is even more challenging.
The government should provide affordable options that serve the same purpose, so we can continue to operate without losses.”
Mr. Emmanuel Monday, who sells puff puff at the same market, said the ban would directly affect his business.
“It will be difficult to sell hot puff puff to customers with only paper. I have tried using the paper alone, but it didn’t work,” Monday said.
“This change is not going to be easy for most traders. Life in Lagos is already hard. This change will only make it harder.
The first time I heard about the ban was from my neighbours. We all joked that it was not possible, but we have had several meetings at the market about how serious it is.”
A food vendor at Ijesha Market, Mrs. Idayat Kolade, said she had no prior knowledge of the ban.
“I’m unaware of the details. What I’ve picked up from bus drivers and conductors is that using styrofoam for food sales is now a police offence,” she said.
“Nobody explained why I would get arrested for using styrofoam food packs.
We spend all day in the market, and when we finally get home, we’re too tired to watch television or listen to the radio.
I was surprised to hear it this morning that the ban had been on since last year.”
A resident of the Masha area, Mr. Babatunde Ladipo, however, said the root problem lies not in the ban, but in people’s attitude toward waste disposal.
“Many Lagosians continue to litter and contribute to the city’s environmental degradation,” Ladipo said.
“The root of the problem lies in the lack of environmental education and cultural practices that promote responsible waste management.
Lagos couldn’t have done it any better. It is better late than never.”
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said at a news conference on Tuesday that any store or market found storing or distributing SUPs would be sealed.
“There will be no going back from July 1 on the enforcement of the ban of single use plastics, which is less than 40 microns in Lagos State,” Wahab said.
“Lagos State Government has put in place different enforcement strategies to effect this ban. However, these strategies will not be disclosed yet.
Let me also emphasise that any market or store that is found storing or engaging in the sale and distribution of the SUPs less than 40 microns will be sealed up and items confiscated.
The offenders will be punished according to the environmental laws of Lagos State.”
He added that the government had conducted extensive awareness campaigns since the ban was announced in January 2024, followed by an 18-month transition period which ended in June 2025.
According to the Lagos State Government, the banned items include styrofoam food packs, plastic straws, disposable cutlery, and nylon carrier bags under 40 microns. PET bottles, sachet water, and thicker nylons are exempted.
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