… Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab: Government Committed to Strategic Implementation
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) and is set to commence full enforcement in the coming months. This was disclosed on Thursday during a courtesy visit by members of the Food and Beverages Recyclers Alliance (FBRA) to discuss the modalities for enforcement.
Speaking at the meeting held at the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab emphasized that the state government remains strategic and intentional in its approach to implementing the ban. He noted that the discussions also covered extended producer responsibilities and FBRA’s ongoing collaboration with the government to ensure compliance.
“We commended them for their efforts, and we agreed on some other things to solidify the relationship,” Wahab said.
He recalled that in January 2024, the government had begun enforcing the ban on styrofoam, with a commitment to extend the ban to other SUPs after 12 months. To ensure a smooth transition, Wahab stated that stakeholder engagement would be a continuous process, with monthly meetings and extensive public advocacy before full enforcement begins.
“We are now in February, and we are involving critical stakeholders. What we have agreed is to continue with serious engagement and advocacy with the association before the commencement of full enforcement,” he stated.
Wahab acknowledged that enforcing the ban would impact FBRA members, including business owners, manufacturers, and suppliers. However, he noted that the government is focused on a sustainable approach to implementation. He expressed satisfaction that FBRA members fully support the initiative, recognizing its necessity for environmental preservation.
“So, that means there is unity of purpose in implementing the ban. Both sides will continue discussions beyond enforcement—taking into account extended producer responsibilities, funding mechanisms, and operational frameworks,” he added.
Clarifying the scope of the ban, Wahab reassured Lagosians that the government is not prohibiting sachet water but only plastics less than 40 microns in thickness. He revealed that a buyback process is being developed to facilitate recycling and reuse of sachet water packs.
“We want to assure all Lagosians that the government is not banning pure water. We shall buy the sachets back, and we are working on the buyback process. I’m also glad that several interventions for recycling and reusing pure water sachets are in progress,” he said.
He further disclosed that by next week, the government plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LAFARGE for a specific reuse initiative in their factory. He also noted that major supermarkets and retail outlets have already started adopting alternative measures, such as selling plastic bags, to discourage indiscriminate disposal.
“I want to plead with Lagosians to support the government in the ban on styrofoam and, as we move to the next phase—the ban on single-use plastics. This is a necessary step to address a pressing issue, and we will be considerate in enforcement to ensure a clean and sustainable environment,” Wahab stated.
Speaking earlier, FBRA Chairman Ziad Maclouf welcomed the government’s decision, describing the SUP ban as long overdue. He assured that the association is ready to introduce new economically and environmentally friendly alternatives.
“The association fully supports the state government’s initiative and is encouraging customers to transition to thicker plastic bags. We are also exploring ways to educate consumers on waste separation and how they can generate income from it,” Maclouf said.
With the continued collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders, the Lagos State Government remains committed to achieving a cleaner, more sustainable environment through the proper implementation of the SUP ban.