The Lagos State Government on Thursday hosted members of the Food and Beverages Recyclers Alliance on a courtesy visit to discuss the modalities for the enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics, emphasising that full enforcement will commence very soon.
Speaking at the meeting held in the conference room of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, reiterated the government’s commitment to the SUP ban, describing it as strategic and intentional.
According to him, the discussions also covered extended producer responsibilities and ongoing efforts by FBRA to collaborate with the government.
This is detailed in a Thursday statement signed by the Director (Public Affairs), Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina.
“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 Lagos State Government began enforcing the ban on styrofoam, with the commitment to extend the ban to single-use plastics after 12 months.
He stated that stakeholder engagement will be a monthly affair, accompanied by massive advocacy and public sensitisation before full enforcement.
“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.
“We all understand that enforcing this ban will affect FBRA members one way or the other—as business owners, manufacturers, and suppliers.
“So, part of this gathering was about the enforcement, and I believe before the end of this month, there will be another engagement to finalise the modalities for full enforcement,” he said.
He noted that unlike styrofoam, SUPs are more complex, and the government is committed to implementing the ban correctly and sustainably.
However, he expressed satisfaction that FBRA members fully support the ban, recognizing its necessity.
“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.
“We need to determine who will be involved from both the government and FBRA so that they can work hand in hand to establish proper modalities and a clear roadmap,” Wahab stated.
He clarified that the government is not banning sachet water but only single-use plastics of less than 40 microns.
“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.
“By next week, we plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LAFARGE for a specific reuse initiative from their factory. These are the measures we are putting in place,” he said.
Wahab reiterated that the SUP ban will take effect this year, with FBRA’s collaboration ensuring seamless implementation.
He also acknowledged that major supermarkets and retail outlets have already adopted 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.
“Lagosians should see this as a necessary step to address a pressing issue and support the government in its implementation.
“We will also be considerate in enforcement, ensuring we clean the system of plastic waste, promote reuse and recycling, and preserve our landfills from unnecessary waste,” Wahab added.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of FBRA, Ziad Maclouf, welcomed the SUP ban, describing it as long overdue.
He emphasised that the association is ready to introduce new systems that will provide 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 stated.
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