Shoppers at various Shoprite outlets in Lagos are gradually adapting to the retail giant’s decision to discontinue the provision of nylon bags, effective January 1, in alignment with the Lagos State Government’s ban on single-use plastics. The move, aimed at reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment, has led to noticeable changes in how customers handle their purchases.
At the Ikeja outlet, located inside the Ikeja City Mall, customers were seen carrying items by hand to their vehicles, while others, reluctant to purchase reusable bags, opted to use shopping trolleys to transport their goods to their car trunks.
A public notice displayed at the store on Saturday confirmed that Shoprite has ceased offering other single-use plastic items, including plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and Styrofoam packaging. The notice read, “In support of the Lagos State Government’s ban on single-use plastics, we will no longer provide the following items in our store: plastic straws, nylon bags, plastic cutleries, Styrofoam packs. Let’s reduce plastic waste and protect our environment.” Shoprite has also encouraged customers to bring their own reusable bags when shopping, promoting a shift toward sustainable practices in line with the state’s environmental goals.
However, while Shoprite has taken the lead in enforcing the ban, compliance from other retailers has been noticeably slower. Many supermarkets and retail stores across Lagos continue to provide nylon bags, citing logistical challenges and customer convenience as barriers to immediate implementation. At smaller retail outlets and local markets, nylon bags remain a staple, with vendors expressing concerns over the cost of transitioning to alternatives like paper or reusable bags.
Some retailers have argued that the government’s enforcement mechanisms are weak, creating a situation where compliance is optional rather than mandatory. Others have requested more time to educate customers and restructure their supply chains to accommodate environmentally friendly packaging.
Environmental activists have criticized the lagging compliance, warning that inconsistent enforcement undermines the effectiveness of the ban. They have called on the Lagos State Government to intensify awareness campaigns, offer incentives for compliance, and introduce penalties for violators to ensure the policy achieves its intended impact.
As Lagos State pushes for a cleaner, more sustainable environment, Shoprite’s proactive approach sets an example for other businesses. However, until compliance becomes widespread, the fight against plastic pollution in Lagos remains an uphill battle.
