State Begins Crackdown on Single-Use Plastics, Nylon Bags Today

Starting today, July 1, 2025, the Lagos State Government will begin full enforcement of its ban on single-use plastics, including the commonly used black nylon bags, across markets and public spaces.

The enforcement follows the end of an 18-month grace period granted after the policy was first announced in January 2024. 

The state had used the period to raise awareness and engage stakeholders.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Monday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, confirmed that enforcement activities would begin with a press briefing in Alausa, followed by visits to major markets.

“We’ve spent the moratorium period sensitising the public. Now, we’re moving into enforcement,” Rotimi-Akodu said.

He explained that the enforcement strategy would mirror the one previously used during the ban on Styrofoam, noting that several meetings had already been held with manufacturers, distributors, and other stakeholders along the plastic supply chain.

“If we keep delaying action, this administration may end without achieving anything in this regard. There will always be calls to postpone, but that only weakens policy implementation,” he said.

He added that once enforcement begins, compliance would likely follow quickly. 

“Some have already begun to comply. It’s just that many people doubt the government’s seriousness until action is taken.”

However, the News Agency of Nigeria reports that some traders have expressed concerns over the ban, citing a lack of viable alternatives.

Tunde Adebayo, a manager at a plastic bag factory in the Costain area, warned that the ban could result in job losses within the sector. “This is our livelihood. We employ over 40 people. So far, the government hasn’t offered us any alternative or support,” he said.

At the Oyingbo Market, where black nylon bags are frequently used to package perishable goods, many traders said they had not been informed about the policy or its enforcement timeline.

Bimbo Adetola, a trader with over a decade of experience at Oyingbo Market, said she had no prior knowledge of the ban. “What are we supposed to use to wrap meat or tomatoes? The government needs to provide alternatives before removing what we’re currently using,” she said.

Despite the resistance, the Lagos State Government insists the ban is part of its broader environmental sustainability efforts and aims to curb pollution caused by non-biodegradable plastic waste.