The Lagos State government clarified on Tuesday that its statewide ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs), which will come into effect on July 1, does not include PET bottles, water sachets, and nylon carrier bags with more than 40 microns thickness.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the clarification in response to deliberate viral misrepresentations by some individuals claiming that the ban includes all categories of Single Use Plastics (SUPs).

According to the Commissioner, the state government’s position remains unchanged, stating that only single use plastics consisting of styrofoam food packs and all forms of polystyrene cups (disposable cups) are banned.

“Other items banned in the single-use plastics category include plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and all single use carrier bags and nylons with less than 40 micron thickness,” he stated.

He added that as part of efforts to demonstrate the state’s seriousness, the newly created Plastic Waste Management Fund has been inaugurated. The fund is a collaborative effort between the state government, producers, and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs).

It will be financed by contributions from producers and major importers and jointly managed to address plastic waste challenges in the state.

Wahab reiterated the state government’s determination to proceed with the enforcement of the ban on July 1, after the expiration of an 18-month moratorium since the announcement of the intention to implement the ban in January 2024.