Oyo Assembly moves to ban single-use plastics, bill scales first reading

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Oyo State House of Assembly has taken the first step towards banning single-use plastics following the first reading of the Oyo State Single-Use Plastics Prohibition (SUPs) Bill, 2026, during a plenary session on Thursday.

The proposed legislation, which is jointly sponsored by the Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Ecology and Water Resources, Olorunpoto Cephas Rahaman; the Speaker; and the Leader of the House, Sanjo Adedoyin, saw lawmakers deliberate on a proposal aimed at tackling plastic pollution and improving environmental sustainability across Oyo State.

According to the bill, lawmakers seek to phase out the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of single-use plastics, including shopping bags, sachet water nylons, plastic straws, disposable cutlery, cups, plates and Styrofoam food containers.

The proposed law also seeks to prohibit the use of plastic straws and disposable cutlery in eateries, event centres and other public places across the state as part of measures to reduce environmental pollution.

To ensure a smooth transition, the bill provides for a 12-month phase-out period from the commencement of the law, during which public awareness campaigns will be intensified to encourage residents and businesses to adopt biodegradable alternatives.

The legislation gives enforcement powers to the state Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, which is expected to establish a Plastic Pollution Control Task Force to monitor compliance and collaborate with local governments, civil society organisations and security agencies.

The bill also outlines penalties ranging from warnings and environmental training for first-time offenders to fines, corporate social responsibility requirements and possible closure of business premises for repeat violations, while offering incentives such as tax waivers and grants to businesses producing eco-friendly alternatives.