In Lagos, the state government plans to implement a ban on single-use plastics, including PET bottles and sachet water, beginning January 2025.

These bans aim to combat the environmental damage caused by plastic waste, which constitutes over 60% of the approximately 13,000 tonnes of waste generated monthly in Lagos.

Officials like Tokunbo Wahab have highlighted the significant role of plastic waste in environmental issues, including ecosystem degradation and flooding.

Mosaku Ololade, chairperson of the Association for Table Water Producers, supports the ban but advocates for a phased implementation to allow businesses to adapt.

Challenges in transitioning from plastic include the cost of alternative materials, changing consumer behavior, and ensuring compliance with the new regulations.

Violators of the plastic ban in Lagos could face monetary fines or imprisonment, underscoring the seriousness of the enforcement.

Effective plastic waste management is a key priority in the Lagos State Development Plan, aiming to achieve both economic and environmental benefits.

The initiative seeks to create economic, social, and environmental benefits, including improving livelihoods through the formalization of the waste-pickers sector.

Starting October 1, 2024, Bangladesh has enforced a ban on single-use plastics as part of a broader initiative to manage plastic waste sustainably.

Wahab emphasized that the initial step in this effort is to prohibit polythene bags for grocery use, marking a significant shift in waste management policy.

The Department of Environment in Lagos plans to enforce the ban by confiscating products and shutting down production starting November 1.

Recent studies have revealed alarming health risks associated with plastic pollution, including the presence of microplastics in human fetuses and blood.