The Lagos State Government has defended the sale of packaging bags in malls across the state, following public complaints sparked by the recent ban on single-use plastics.
Residents have raised concerns over having to purchase packing bags at certain retail outlets, but the government insists the practice aligns with global environmental standards and modern urban sustainability goals.
Speaking to The Punch, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olawale Rotimi-Akodu, clarified that the sale of packing bags in malls is not only optional but also a widely accepted practice in advanced economies like Europe, America, and Asia.
“It’s an optional thing. You have the option of bringing your own from home. You can keep it in your car and take it to the mall to carry your items,” Akodu explained.
According to him, the initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce environmental waste and promote a culture of reuse and responsibility among consumers.
“The whole idea is to change the culture. The malls are only providing an option for those who come without bags. If you go with your own bag, there’s no need to buy,” he added.
The clarification comes amid increased enforcement of the state’s ban on single-use plastics. On Thursday, officials from the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) reportedly confiscated packs of lightweight nylon bags from some markets on Lagos Island.
The state began full-scale enforcement of the ban on plastics below 40 microns on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, as part of a broader campaign to combat environmental degradation and promote sustainable living.
Banned items include:
-
Styrofoam food packs
-
Plastic straws
-
Lightweight nylon bags
-
Disposable cups
-
Plastic cutlery
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that any business found storing, distributing, or selling these prohibited items would be sealed off, and violators would face penalties in accordance with the state’s environmental regulations.
The government continues to urge residents and businesses to support the transition to eco-friendly alternatives and embrace practices that align with the long-term sustainability goals of the state.
