By Isaac Ojo
In recent development, the Oyo State House of Assembly today had for 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 bid to curb plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability.
The bill was presented to the house during the plenary presided over by the speaker, Rt. Honorable Adebo Ogundouin.
While presenting the Bill, titled Oyo State Single-Use Plastics Prohibition (SUPs) Bill, 2026, the Chairman, 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), noted that the bill when it becomes a full law 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.
While some clauses in the bill specifically prohibit the use of plastic straws and cutlery in eateries, event centres, and other public places, it also provides for a twelve-month phase-out period from its commencement, during which public sensitisation and behavioural change campaigns will be intensified.
The proposed law outlines graduated penalties for offenders, ranging from warnings and mandatory environmental awareness training for first-time offenders to heavy fines, compulsory corporate social responsibility projects, and possible closure of business premises for repeat offenders.
In addition, the Bill makes provisions 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.
Provisions are also included to promote recycling through investments in waste collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure, as well as public-private partnerships to establish recycling hubs across Local Government Areas.
