The Lagos State Government has partnered with a grassroots movement, Riteonthebeach, to curb plastic waste pollution in the state.

As a populated city, Lagos generates tonnes of plastic waste, which often ends up clogging drainages and canals and littering roadsides and coastlines as a result of poor waste management practices. During periods of heavy rainfall, blocked drainage causes severe flooding in the state.

To address these issues, the state’s Commissioner of Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, announced a ban on single-use plastics on Tuesday.

In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Oreoluwa Finnih, supported this move, noting that although it is temporarily inconvenient, it is a bold step toward cleaner streets, healthier communities.

The aide added that her office has partnered Riteonthebeach to curb plastic waste pollution in the state.

“In line with this mission, my office is proud to partner with @riteonthebeach on the #PlasticFreeJulyLagos campaign – a grassroots movement working to reduce the amount of plastic entering the waste stream,” the statement read in part.

She envisaged that the participation would help young people and everyday citizens build a culture of environmental responsibility, speed up behavioural change, support scalable recycling systems, and help keep Lagos clean.

She also called on investors and Lagos residents to support the initiative.

“Their goal is clear, and it is to speed up behavioural change, support scalable recycling systems, and help keep Lagos clean through collaborative effort. As I shared during their visit to my office, we are proud to support this mission, and we invite more partners, innovators, and everyday Lagosians to join us in building a plastic-free city.

“To participate in the campaign, you may reach out to @riteonthebeach to request for the bags. Let us do this together, people, for the sake of our environment, our economy, and our future,” she added.