The Lagos State Government is advancing its environmental sustainability agenda through a strategic partnership with Lafarge to repurpose pure water sachets in the company’s factories. This initiative is part of broader efforts to phase out single-use plastics (SUPs) and promote effective waste management through a structured buyback system.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, clarified that the government is not banning pure water itself but is imposing restrictions on plastics below 40 microns due to recycling difficulties and their harmful impact on the environment. He made this statement during a meeting with the Food and Beverages Recyclers Alliance (FBRA), where he also revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lafarge will be formalized next week to drive the initiative forward.
Lagos has been intensifying its fight against plastic pollution, beginning with the ban on styrofoam in January 2024. The government has since taken a phased approach to eliminating SUPs, working with supermarkets and businesses to promote reusable alternatives. The upcoming collaboration with Lafarge aims to address one of the most widespread plastic waste issues in Nigeria—the improper disposal of pure water sachets.
By integrating a buyback system, the government hopes to incentivize collection efforts and ensure that these plastics are repurposed effectively rather than clogging drainage systems or polluting waterways. This initiative aligns with Lagos’ broader sustainability drive, which encourages residents and businesses to transition to environmentally friendly materials.
FBRA Chairman, Ziad Maclouf, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing corporate responsibility in tackling plastic waste. He reiterated the commitment of private-sector stakeholders to finding sustainable alternatives and ensuring compliance with the government’s environmental policies.
The involvement of a major industrial player like Lafarge signals a shift toward more circular economic practices in Lagos, where waste materials are repurposed into useful products rather than being discarded. This model could serve as a blueprint for future waste management policies in Nigeria.
With the full enforcement of the SUP ban set for January 2025, the Lagos State Government is urging residents to embrace reusable materials and actively participate in recycling programs. Public awareness campaigns are expected to ramp up in the coming months, educating citizens on the environmental and economic benefits of proper waste management.
As Lagos strengthens its stance on plastic pollution, initiatives like this partnership with Lafarge demonstrate the government’s commitment to fostering a cleaner, more sustainable city. The success of this program could shape future waste reduction policies across Nigeria, positioning Lagos as a leader in environmental innovation and responsible resource management.
