Oyo Lawmakers Push Bill to Eliminate Single-Use Plastics by 2027

The Oyo State House of Assembly has begun legislative moves to outlaw single-use plastics, taking the first reading of a bill that seeks to prohibit their production, importation, distribution, sale, and use across the state by 2027.

The proposed legislation, titled the Oyo State Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Bill, 2026, was introduced during Thursday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin. Lawmakers described the move as a decisive response to rising plastic pollution, blocked drainage systems, and environmental degradation linked to disposable plastic products.

If passed into law, the bill would place Oyo among a growing number of subnational governments adopting strict environmental measures aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing long-term ecological damage.

Lawmakers Cite Environmental and Public Health Concerns

Leading debate on the bill, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Ecology and Water Resources, Olorunpoto Cephas Rahaman, said the legislation was driven by urgent environmental realities. He warned that unchecked plastic waste has continued to clog waterways, worsen flooding, and contaminate soil and water sources.

According to the provisions outlined, the proposed ban would cover plastic shopping bags, sachet water pouches, straws, disposable cutlery, cups, plates, and Styrofoam food containers commonly used by eateries and event centres.

Rahaman said the Assembly’s intention was not merely regulatory but preventive, adding that plastic pollution poses both environmental and public health risks. “This is about protecting our ecosystem and safeguarding future generations,” he told lawmakers.

Speaker Ogundoyin echoed the sentiment, describing the bill as a bold but necessary step toward aligning Oyo State with global environmental best practices. He noted that many countries and cities around the world have moved to phase out disposable plastics due to their long-term ecological footprint.

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To ensure a smooth transition, the bill proposes a 12-month phase-out period from the date of commencement. During this window, the government would intensify public awareness campaigns, encourage behavioural change, and support businesses transitioning to alternative packaging solutions.

Enforcement, Incentives and Penalties Outlined in Proposal

Under the draft law, enforcement responsibility would rest with the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, which would establish a dedicated Task Force on Plastic Pollution Control. The task force would work alongside local government authorities, civil society groups, and security agencies to monitor compliance.

The bill also provides for graduated penalties. First-time offenders may face warnings and mandatory environmental education programmes, while repeat violators could be subjected to substantial fines, corporate environmental obligations, or even temporary closure of business premises.

Manufacturers that continue producing banned plastics beyond the phase-out period may also face a special environmental tax set at no less than 500 per cent of the standard production levy.

At the same time, lawmakers emphasised that the legislation is not solely punitive. The proposal includes incentives for businesses willing to produce biodegradable or compostable alternatives. Suggested measures include tax waivers, grants, subsidies, and preferential procurement policies for eco-friendly manufacturers.

In addition, the bill encourages investment in recycling infrastructure, including waste collection, sorting systems, and public-private partnerships to establish recycling hubs across local government areas. Medium and large-scale enterprises would also be required to demonstrate corporate environmental responsibility through regular sanitation initiatives and community clean-up programmes.

House Leader Sanjo Adedoyin said the transition period offers businesses sufficient time to adjust operations, but warned that compliance would be strictly enforced once the grace period expires. “Environmental sustainability cannot be optional,” he stated during deliberations.