SEO Riders:
– Environmental NGO SRADeV praises Lagos State’s SUP ban effective July 1, 2025.
– Call for innovation in alternatives, robust stakeholder consultation, and just transition.
– Insider warns enforcement will start without delay; focus on hotspots and monitoring
The Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria) has commended the Lagos State Government for its decisive move to outlaw single-use plastics—including styrofoam, straws, cutlery, and lightweight bags—starting July 1, 2025, following a successful phase-out of styrofoam in January 2024. Executive Director Dr. Leslie Adogame described the ban as “long due” in the megacity, where less than 20% of SUPs are currently recycled. SRADeV also praised the government’s 18‑month stakeholder engagement period and called for continued efforts to develop affordable alternative packaging and support green business growth during this transition.
The move builds on widespread NGO and industry endorsement. CAPPA lauded the ban but urged incentives for alternative materials, while the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa emphasized fair enforcement and extended producer responsibility. Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab has reaffirmed strict enforcement will commence on time, noting that Lagos provided ample preparation and will prosecute violations under environmental laws. NGOs are urging focused monitoring at production and consumer hotspots, awareness campaigns, and support for no-one-left-behind policies to ensure the ban’s success.
