Lagos Clarifies Plastic Ban Exemptions: Water Sachets and PET Bottles Will Not Be Affected…The Lagos State Government has issued a clarification regarding its planned ban on single-use plastics, stating that water sachets and PET bottles will be exempted from the ban, which is set to be enforced on July 1, 2025.
The announcement comes in response to widespread confusion caused by viral videos showing the destruction of sachet water packs, which many viewers wrongly associated with the state’s upcoming environmental initiative.
The clarification is intended to ease concerns and clear up misunderstandings about the scope of the ban.
In a statement released on December 1, 2024, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stressed that sachet water would not be banned in the state. Wahab explained that the videos circulating online featured enforcement actions by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which were unrelated to the Lagos State Government’s plastic ban. According to Wahab, NAFDAC’s activities were focused on enforcing health and safety regulations, not environmental protection measures implemented by Lagos.
The confusion about the plastic ban arose when Lagos State announced a ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam containers in early 2025, with the enforcement scheduled for July. While the state government is committed to reducing the harmful environmental effects of plastic pollution, the ban specifically targets items such as plastic cutlery, straws, and bags made from plastic that is less than 40 microns thick. These items are considered major contributors to pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature, which causes them to accumulate in the environment and clog the state’s drainage systems.
Although sachet water and PET bottles are commonly associated with plastic waste, the government has made it clear that these items will not be included in the upcoming ban. Instead, the state has introduced a different approach to addressing the environmental impact of plastic waste through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative. Under this program, producers of PET bottles, sachets, and plastic bags thicker than 40 microns will be required to take responsibility for the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of their products. This move aims to ensure that companies that produce plastic packaging contribute to reducing the waste generated by their products.
In addition to the EPR program, the state government is collaborating with producers and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) to set up a Plastic Waste Management Fund. The fund will be financed by contributions from producers and major importers of plastic products, and it is designed to address the growing challenge of plastic pollution in Lagos. The government hopes that the fund will help support efforts to improve recycling, waste management infrastructure, and environmental sustainability in the state.
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Despite the announcement of the ban and the clarification about its scope, there are concerns regarding the readiness of the public and the regulatory framework for effective implementation. Environmental experts have raised questions about the preparedness of Lagos residents to adopt new waste disposal and recycling practices, especially given the widespread use of plastic in everyday life. The Lagos government has acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the specific items affected by the ban and the need for alternative, more sustainable materials.
As the July enforcement date draws closer, the Lagos State Government is engaging with various stakeholders, including manufacturers, environmental groups, and residents, to ensure the successful rollout of the plastic ban. The government has also promised to strengthen enforcement measures and collaborate with key industry players to ensure that the ban is adhered to, and that effective alternatives are available for businesses and consumers.
Lagos’ initiative to tackle plastic pollution is an important step in the fight against environmental degradation in the state, but it is clear that successful implementation will require ongoing education, cooperation, and infrastructure development. As the government moves forward with its plans, residents are being urged to stay informed and actively participate in efforts to reduce plastic waste. With the right strategies in place, the state aims to make significant progress in creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations.
