Traders across Lagos State have voiced frustration over the full enforcement of the government’s ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) below 40 microns, which officially took effect on July 1.
In separate interviews on Thursday, many small-scale traders expressed concern about the lack of viable and affordable alternatives, warning that the policy could disrupt their daily operations.
The Lagos State Government began enforcing the ban following the expiration of an 18-month moratorium granted after the initial announcement in January 2024. The ban covers items such as styrofoam food packs, polystyrene cups, plastic straws, cutlery, and nylon carrier bags thinner than 40 microns. Exemptions include PET bottles, sachet water, and thicker plastic bags.
At Lawanson Market, Mrs. Ireti Adekoya, a petty trader, said she had been aware of the ban for months but found it difficult to transition.
“The ban is one thing, but the real problem is: what can we use instead?” she asked. “We already had issues with poor-quality nylon bags. Now, without any bags at all, our losses will grow. The government needs to give us alternatives we can actually afford.”
Mr. Emmanuel Monday, who sells puff puff at the same market, echoed similar concerns.
“It’s hard to serve hot puff puff with just paper. We’ve tried, and it doesn’t work. This is not a change that favors small traders—life is already hard in Lagos.”
He noted that many traders only realized the seriousness of the ban during recent meetings organized in local markets.
At Ijesha Market, food vendor Mrs. Idayat Kolade admitted she wasn’t fully aware of the details of the ban.
“All I heard was that using styrofoam is now a police offence. Nobody explained why or what to use instead. We stay in the market all day and barely have time to follow the news.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Babatunde Ladipo, a resident of the Masha area, supported the ban, though he acknowledged deeper systemic issues.
“Too many Lagosians litter indiscriminately. Until there’s a culture of responsible plastic use and waste management, things won’t improve,” he said. “Still, this is a good step—better late than never.”
At a recent press conference, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, affirmed that enforcement would be strict and ongoing.
“From July 1, there is no going back. Any market or store found storing or selling these banned items will be sealed, and the goods confiscated,” Wahab said. “Offenders will face penalties in line with Lagos environmental laws.”
He added that while specific enforcement strategies would not be publicly disclosed, awareness campaigns had already been conducted extensively.
