Lagos State Set to Ban Sachet Water, Single-Use Plastics by 2025
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to ban the use of single-use plastics, including sachet water, beginning in January 2025. The move, aimed at addressing plastic waste management and promoting a healthier environment, was confirmed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during a stakeholders’ workshop on Thursday.
Wahab explained that the ban is part of broader efforts by the state to establish policy guidelines for sustainable plastic usage. This follows an earlier decision in January 2024 to ban Styrofoam in all government establishments and across the metropolis, a measure taken due to the harmful environmental impacts of plastic waste.
“As we prepare to enforce the ban in January 2025, we aim to create a framework that will manage plastic waste effectively and safeguard the health and safety of Lagosians,” Wahab said.
Stakeholders in the sector, however, have called on the government to implement the ban gradually, allowing businesses time to adapt. Mosaku Ololade, the Lagos Chairperson of the Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP), emphasized the need for a phased approach to ensure compliance and minimize the economic impact.
“We have over 2,000 members in Lagos alone and employ more than 10,000 workers. We urge the government to engage with us further and implement the ban in phases to give our members enough time to comply,” Ololade stated.
ATWAP has been working closely with the state government to raise awareness among its members and prepare for the impending ban. The association remains committed to supporting the government’s efforts, provided there is continued dialogue to ease the transition.
The planned ban is seen as part of Lagos’ broader environmental sustainability agenda, aimed at curbing the growing threat of plastic pollution across the state.
