Lagos State Government Clarifies Scope of Single-Use Plastics Ban — PET Bottles Formally Exempted

Background and Legal Framework

This policy is enacted pursuant to the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law (2017) and supports the national implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy under the supervision of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). The ban is consistent with Nigeria's commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 11, 12, and 13 concerning sustainable cities, responsible consumption, and climate action.

Over the past decade, Lagos has experienced significant environmental and public health challenges linked to the proliferation of non-recyclable plastic materials, particularly expanded polystyrene and lightweight carrier bags. This regulatory action is designed to mitigate urban flooding, reduce plastic leakage into waterways, and encourage a transition to sustainable materials.

Scope of the Ban

Effective July 1, 2025, the following items shall be prohibited from manufacture, distribution, sale, and usage within Lagos State:

• Expanded polystyrene (EPS) food containers and cups
• Plastic straws
• Disposable plastic cutlery
• Single-use plastic bags and nylons with a thickness below 40 microns

The prohibition applies to all individuals, corporate entities, commercial establishments, and food service providers operating within the state's jurisdiction.

Exempted Items

The following items are currently exempt from the July 1, 2025 restrictions:

• PET bottles (used primarily in beverage, pharmaceutical, and food packaging)
• Water sachets
• Plastic bags exceeding 40 microns in thickness

This exemption is based on the following considerations:

1. High recyclability: PET bottles possess a well-established recovery and recycling rate exceeding 50% in Lagos, supported by functional private-sector collection networks.

2. Lower environmental burden: Lifecycle analysis indicates that recycled PET (rPET) has a lower carbon footprint and energy demand compared to other packaging materials.

3. Compliance with international food safety standards, including those issued by the FDA, EFSA, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

4. Economic impact: The PET value chain supports thousands of formal and informal jobs across Lagos and plays a critical role in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

Regulatory Oversight and Monitoring

The exemption for PET bottles is not indefinite and shall be subject to continuous environmental monitoring. The following measures will be implemented to ensure accountability:

• All PET bottles must carry clearly identifiable recycling symbols and resin codes.
• Manufacturers and importers of PET products must submit annual environmental compliance reports.
• Regulatory agencies, including LASEPA and LAWMA, will conduct random composition testing and site audits.
• Non-compliance will result in regulatory sanctions in accordance with existing environmental legislation.

Plastic Waste Management Fund

To reinforce policy implementation, the government has established the Plastic Waste Management Fund—a dedicated financial instrument supported by producer contributions under the EPR framework. The fund shall be used to:

• Upgrade recycling and material recovery infrastructure
• Support innovation in biodegradable and alternative packaging materials
• Fund public education campaigns on waste segregation and plastic reuse
• Facilitate research and pilot projects in circular economy practices

Government Position

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability:

“This policy is not a symbolic gesture. It is a strategic, science-based response to Lagos's plastic crisis. The exemption granted to PET bottles reflects our recognition of the existing recovery infrastructure and its socio-economic relevance. However, it will be reviewed periodically in line with global best practices and emerging data.”

Access to Official Documents

The complete policy framework, compliance guidelines, and implementation roadmap are available through the following channels:

• Lagos State Government Gazette No. 25, Vol. 58 (2025)
• Technical Memorandum 2025/04 – Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources
• National Packaging Waste Database (NPC/NESREA)