The Lagos State Government has begun strict enforcement of its ban on single-use plastics, visiting markets to ensure people follow the new rule.
On Monday, officials were seen at Oniwaya Market in Agege, warning traders and seizing items like styrofoam packs, plastic straws, and nylon bags.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, explained that the state had spent months raising awareness before starting enforcement.
“Single-use plastics block our gutters, cause flooding, and damage our environment,” he said. He added that Lagos is determined to make the city cleaner and safer.
The ban, which started on July 1, 2025, targets plastics that cannot decompose and usually end up littering streets or blocking drainage.
Traders and residents are being encouraged to switch to reusable bags and food containers.
Market leaders and manufacturers had already been involved in discussions for over a year to prepare for this transition.
Now, taskforce teams are moving across communities to ensure compliance, with penalties waiting for those who ignore the law.
This policy puts Lagos among more than 70 countries worldwide fighting plastic pollution. For residents, it is more than just a law, it is about protecting the city from constant flooding and leaving behind a healthier Lagos for future generations.
