By JKNewsMedia
SINGLE-USE plastics are now officially out of circulation in Lagos supermarkets, marking a major shift in the state’s battle against plastic waste.
ShopRite, one of the largest retailers, has eliminated nylon bags for groceries, offering reusable bags for N500 instead or urging customers to bring their own.
The Lagos State Government’s ban on single-use plastics, enforced from January 2025, seeks to address the environmental damage caused by plastic waste clogging drainage systems, littering streets, and harming public health.
The policy stems from the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulation 2009 and the 2017 Lagos State Environmental Management Protection Law.
ShopRite has fully complied, but investigations reveal that other supermarkets still offer plastic bags, exposing gaps in enforcement.
The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force have ramped up efforts to ensure compliance, following warnings issued in late 2024.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, applauded the progress, citing a noticeable reduction in styrofoam waste across the state.
“This policy isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a cleaner, healthier Lagos,” he stated.
He said the government has partnered with businesses to promote reusable alternatives and sustainable packaging, adding that these efforts aim to not only reduce environmental pollution but also create a lasting culture of sustainability in Nigeria’s largest city.
