Lagos Battles Enforcement Challenges in Single-Use Plastics Ban

By Diafa Doubra,

Lagos, one of the world’s most polluted cities, is facing a tough road in enforcing its recent ban on single-use plastics. The ban, which took effect on July 1, 2025, prohibits items like Styrofoam food packs, plastic straws, and disposable cutlery in a bid to curb the city’s mounting environmental crisis. However, a month after implementation, many food vendors and retailers are still openly using the banned materials.

Environmental experts say the slow adoption stems from weak enforcement and the lack of affordable eco-friendly alternatives for businesses. While government agencies have promised stricter monitoring, activists insist that without a combination of public awareness campaigns, waste management reforms, and incentives for sustainable packaging, the policy risks becoming another paper law. For Lagos residents, the fight against plastic pollution is far from over.