Lagos State’s enforcement team visited several supermarkets on September 3 to enforce the ban on single-use plastics, following a similar operation just days earlier.
This move targets items like plastic bags, straws, and red plastic cups commonly used for drinking alcohol at parties and social events across the city, which harm the environment and worsen flooding.
On Friday, August 29, enforcement officers stormed Justrite Supermarket in Lekki to enforce the ban, seizing items like the popular red plastic cups. The team continued their efforts on Tuesday, starting at Blenco Supermarket in Lekki, where they confiscated plastic straws and instructed the store to use paper straws instead.
They checked for compliance with the state’s directive to phase out these plastics, which officials say block drains and pollute waterways, making floods worse during heavy rains.
The team also visited Blend and Temple Hill Supermarkets in Ire-Akari, Jendol Supermarket in Jakande Estate, Ejigbo, and Lastprize and Reno supermarkets on Liasu Road in Idimu. At each location, they seized plastic straws and reminded store owners to switch to eco-friendly options like paper straws and reusable bags.
Tokunbo Wahab, the state’s Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, shared the update on social media.
He said the visits are part of ongoing efforts to monitor businesses and help them adopt better practices. “We will continue to enforce the rules and work with shops to protect our environment,” Wahab posted.
This enforcement push follows increased flooding in Lagos in recent years, partly due to plastic waste clogging drainage systems. By banning single-use plastics, including red cups and straws, the government aims to reduce trash and make the city safer and greener.
Stay tuned to BestLagos.ng for updates on environmental efforts in Lagos.
