Lagos State authorities have launched a series of supermarket raids to enforce the ban on single-use plastics, seizing items such as disposable cups, straws, and bags as part of a wider effort to tackle environmental pollution and flooding.
The Punch reported that the Lagos State Government has “seized banned single-use plastics from some supermarkets in different areas of the state.”
The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a video shared on X.com on Wednesday.
According to reports, the enforcement officers were confiscating single-use plastics, cups, and products with attached single use plastic straws.
Wahab’s caption read, “Our enforcement team today visited Blenco Supermarket in Lekki to enforce the ban on single use plastics.
“This action is part of our wider efforts to ensure compliance with the etate’s directive on phasing out SUP, which poses serious environmental risks and worsens flooding across Lagos.
“The team also visited Blend and Temple Hill Supermarkets in Ire-Akari, Jendol Supermarket in Jakande Estate, Ejigbo and Lastprize and Reno supermarkets situated in Liasu Road in Idimu.”
Wahab noted that the team will continue to monitor, enforce, and work with businesses to adopt sustainable alternatives that safeguard our environment.
The enforcement drive, which officially began on July 1, followed an 18-month grace period during which businesses were encouraged to gradually eliminate single-use plastics from their operations and shift toward sustainable alternatives.
Under the ban, the production, sale, and use of disposable plastic bags have been prohibited, including the popular black nylon bags that are commonly used in markets and shops across Lagos.
According to the state government, the policy is part of a broader campaign targeting markets and retail outlets, aimed at ensuring strict adherence to environmental protection regulations and reducing plastic-related pollution.
