The Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday conducted the first reading of a bill seeking to prohibit the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of single-use plastics across the state, in a renewed legislative effort to curb plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability.
The proposed legislation, titled the Oyo State Single-Use Plastics Prohibition (SUPs) Bill, 2026, was read during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Adebo Edward Ogundoyin.
The bill is jointly sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Ecology and Water Resources, Hon. Olorunpoto Cephas Rahaman (Oyo East/Oyo West); the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin (Ibarapa East); and the Leader of the House, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin (Ogbomoso South).
According to its provisions, the bill seeks to phase out all forms of single-use plastics in Oyo State, including plastic shopping bags, sachet water bags, plastic straws, cutlery, cups, plates and Styrofoam containers commonly used for food and beverage packaging.
The legislation specifically prohibits the use of plastic straws and cutlery in eateries, event centres and other public places.
To ensure a smooth transition, the bill provides for a 12-month phase-out period from the date of commencement. During this period, public sensitisation and behavioural change campaigns will be intensified to encourage the adoption of biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternatives by manufacturers, vendors and consumers.
The bill vests enforcement powers in the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, mandating it to establish a Task Force on Plastic Pollution Control to monitor compliance and enforce the law.
The task force is expected to collaborate with local government authorities, civil society organisations, environmental marshals and security agencies. The ministry may also deploy digital tracking mechanisms and whistleblower channels to strengthen enforcement efforts.
The proposed law outlines graduated penalties for offenders, ranging from warnings and mandatory environmental awareness training for first-time violators to heavy fines, compulsory corporate social responsibility projects and possible closure of business premises for repeat offenders.
Companies that continue producing single-use plastics after the expiration of the phase-out period will be liable to a special environmental tax of not less than 500 per cent of the applicable production tax.
In addition, the bill provides for the promotion of biodegradable and compostable products by supporting local manufacturers, facilitating access to technical assistance and encouraging research and development through partnerships with academic and research institutions.
It also proposes incentives such as tax waivers, grants, subsidies and preferential procurement policies for businesses producing eco-friendly alternatives.
Furthermore, the bill mandates medium- and large-scale businesses operating in the state to demonstrate corporate environmental responsibility through community-based sanitation initiatives and periodic environmental clean-up activities.
Provisions are also included to strengthen recycling efforts through investment in waste collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure, as well as public-private partnerships aimed at establishing recycling hubs across local government areas
