Lagos, One of the World's Most Polluted Cities, Bans Single-Use Plastics but Faces Challenges in Implementation
Despite a ban on single-use plastics, Lagos struggles with weak enforcement and lack of alternatives, hindering its efforts to combat pollution.
The megacity of Lagos, notorious for being one of the world's most polluted urban areas, has implemented a ban on single-use plastics.
However, the effectiveness of this ban is compromised due to weak enforcement and the absence of viable alternatives.
The city’s over 20 million residents generated 870,000 tons out of the world’s 57 million tons of plastic waste in 2024 alone.
Under the law that went into effect on July 1, the use of single-use plastics such as cutlery, plates, and straws is prohibited, with offenders risking their businesses being shut down.
Nevertheless, other forms of plastics continue to be used widely throughout Lagos, highlighting the gap in implementation.
However, the effectiveness of this ban is compromised due to weak enforcement and the absence of viable alternatives.
The city’s over 20 million residents generated 870,000 tons out of the world’s 57 million tons of plastic waste in 2024 alone.
Under the law that went into effect on July 1, the use of single-use plastics such as cutlery, plates, and straws is prohibited, with offenders risking their businesses being shut down.
Nevertheless, other forms of plastics continue to be used widely throughout Lagos, highlighting the gap in implementation.
