The ban on Single Use Plastics (SUP) has generated a lot of controversy as some see it as killing an ant with a sledge hammer. Reports say Lagos generates about 870,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually some of it is collected and recycled while others are disposed carelessly, clogging drainage systems, polluting water waves and destroying the environment. This scenario however, didn’t dissuade the critics of the policy to commend the state government.
Though the State Government gave ample time for the planned ban a lot of people didn’t take it seriously blaming it on poor advocacy, now that it’s officially banned the Dealers have gone underground not displaying openly but locking about their warehouses with strategies on how to continue with their businesses.
The full enforcement of its single-use plastic (SUP) ban took effect on July 1, 2025, targeting items like Styrofoam packs, disposable cups, plastic straws, cutlery, and thin single-use bags. This ban the government claims aims to combat severe plastic pollution in the metropolis though it excludes water sachets, PET bottles, and nylon bags thicker than 40 microns.
Nigeria ranks among the world’s top plastic polluters, generating over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, according to a recent USAID study. Over 70 per cent of this ends up in the seas and landfills.
Information available indicates that at least 141 countries have banned or restricted some form of plastic products. This includes bans on specific plastic products, including SUPs, thin plastic bags, PVC packaging, and microbeads in cosmetics. In addition, some countries have banned or restricted the use of certain plastic polymers or monomers.
Experts say plastic waste takes at least 500 years to decompose. The waste accumulates in landfills, drainage, and water bodies. Plastic waste in oceans is harmful to marine life and affects the ecosystem but a large percentage of the public said though the claims may have an element of truth they see it as the least of the State problems and more of a populist agenda.
It is believed that about 50 per cent of plastic waste comes from SUPs, a major source of environmental pollution.
Random visits to the markets especially on Lagos Island, Mushin, Oshodi, Agege and other outlets shows that for a wholesale buyer to get to buy the person must be a known customer and must also assure the seller that it can be moved discreetly and not refer to the source if caught by the agents of government.
Some food vendors still use it generously; the only difference now is that it is wrapped in black nylon when used to serve food. This is a battle the Lagos government may not win 100 percent because as The Nation learnt the cost of an alternative is high which consumers cannot bear especially with the high cost of things now.
Iya Safilat a food Vendor at Ojuoye market in Mushin said sarcastically that out of all the problems in Lagos the government singled out poor people to punish them. She said her customers cannot afford to pay for her food if she adds extra N200 for the reusable plastics.
“Though we know the government does not care how the poor survive, this new law will not work like that. They should give us more time to allow people to factor it into their daily expenses or learn to bring their plates from their homes”.
Madam Oluebube, who sells Abacha, cassava flakes with vegetables common with South Easterners said she will continue using her stock until it finishes, she asked if the government is expecting her to throw them away. According to her, she will only be careful using it so that she will not get into trouble with KAI Marshals who are gearing to profit from it.
A fried yam and boiled sweet potato seller, Mama Ifeoluwa also chorused the same about the government not giving time and cheaper alternatives. She said when she exhausts her stock she will see if she needs a business change or know how to pass the cost to her customers praying that she will not run out of business.
Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, contributing asked the state government to reconsider its stance, saying the decision was not informed by credible data, as it is out of tune with the reality of Nigeria’s socio-economic situation and bereft of more ingenious and beneficial solutions.
He lamented that MAN was not consulted before the ban was announced and industries not given room for any form of discussion on the challenges that could be associated with the ban and how to mitigate them.
Ajayi-Kadir said hundreds of jobs are at risk as over 89 per cent of operators in the plastic value chain depend on the trade of these SUPs as their main source of income.
Executive Director, Universal Luggage Ltd, Frank Ike Onyebu, expressed worry that several manufacturers will be affected, adding that with all the problems the country has, especially low industrialisation, a ban is not needed now.
“This should not be our priority right now. Most SUPs are already being recycled, even though the numbers could be better. For instance, we need items like sachet water and nylon in our factory, but we don’t even get enough because of the country’s poor waste management and low awareness. Some supermarkets no longer give nylon bags to customers but ask you to buy, doesn’t that defeat the whole purpose of reducing nylon use?” he queried.
