Why? Because Lagos generates an estimated 870,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste annually and less than 10 percent is properly recycled. The rest ends up in drainage systems, contributing to flash floods, disease outbreaks, and marine ecosystem collapse. This is not just an environmental issue; it is a public health and economic threat.

This policy is far more than a sanitation initiative. It is a signal of economic redesign. By outlawing low quality plastics, the government is nudging manufacturers and distributors to rethink packaging, invest in innovation, and adopt circular economy principles.

It is a bold step that:

• Spurs demand for biodegradable materials, reusable packaging, and starch-based polymers

• Opens new investment opportunities in waste processing, green logistics, and environmental tech

• Aligns with global ESG and SDG benchmarks, improving Lagos’ attractiveness to impact investors and multilateral donors

Simply put, Lagos is using environmental policy as a lever for economic transformation and resilience building.

Challenges and Strategic Solutions

Of course, policy without capacity creates backlash. The implementation of the plastic ban must be backed by strategic interventions, especially for low-income producers and informal waste collectors.

Here are some priority actions:

1. Support for Micro and Small Enterprises

Many small businesses depend on cheap plastics for affordability. The government must work with development partners to:

• Provide subsidised alternatives for biodegradable packaging

• Offer training on product innovation and cost effective design

• Create cooperative models that enable bulk purchase of reusable materials

2. Launch Take Back and EPR Schemes

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks should be strengthened. Manufacturers must be held accountable for the post consumption lifecycle of their packaging materials. This includes:

• Setting up take back kiosks

• Funding community recycling hubs

• Reporting compliance metrics annually

3. Empower Community Led Cleanup Campaigns

Public awareness is essential. Religious institutions, schools, and market associations can serve as grassroots partners for:

• Riverbank and street cleanups

• Plastic collection drives

• Environmental education and advocacy

This must be a citizens’ movement, not just a government initiative.

By making this move, Lagos has positioned itself as the first sub national government in Africa to enact an enforceable plastic ban of this scale. But it must not stand alone.

States like Rivers, Oyo, and Abuja can now adopt similar frameworks learning from Lagos’ enforcement model, stakeholder engagement, and early policy wins.

“This ban is more than environmental compliance, it is climate adaptation at an urban scale. It signals a future where policy, innovation, and grassroots action combine to build cities that are clean, resilient, and investment ready.” Francis Enakele (MD)

Our Take at Today Tomorrow Energy

We see environmental policy as the foundation for future energy systems. A cleaner city means a more reliable grid. A healthier population means more productive workers. And a circular economy means we can power growth without destroying ecosystems.

The Lagos plastic ban is a defining moment and we believe it is just the beginning.