The Lagos State Government has dismissed claims circulating online that it plans to ban the production and sale of sachet water in the state.
This clarification was made by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday.
The commissioner’s response comes in the wake of a viral video showing individuals destroying sachet water packs in factories and on public buses, which fueled speculation about a government-led prohibition.
No Ban on Sachet Water
Wahab categorically denied the rumors, stating that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is focused on addressing plastic pollution through sustainable and inclusive measures rather than outright bans. He assured residents that sachet water production and sales are not prohibited and clarified the circumstances surrounding the viral video.
NAFDAC Enforcement Exercise
The commissioner explained that the individuals seen destroying sachet water in the video were enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Their actions, he noted, were part of an exercise to target non-compliant sachet water products that failed to meet NAFDAC’s public health and safety standards.
In his statement, Wahab emphasized, “I wish to categorically state that these individuals are not enforcement officers from any Lagos State Government agency or the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that their actions were tied to enforcing NAFDAC regulations.”
Commitment to Plastic Waste Management
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its dedication to tackling plastic pollution through progressive strategies. Wahab highlighted several initiatives under the state’s waste management policy:
- Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): This policy requires producers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and carrier bags above 40 microns to take responsibility for managing the environmental impact of their products.
- Plastic Waste Management Fund: In collaboration with Producers and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), Lagos State is creating a fund to support plastic waste management efforts. The fund, financed by contributions from producers and importers, aims to address the challenges posed by plastic waste effectively.
Wahab also referenced an Engagement Workshop organized by the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources on October 3, 2024, which focused on building inclusive strategies for plastic waste reduction.
Public Reassurance
The commissioner urged Lagos residents to disregard misinformation regarding a supposed sachet water ban. “It is important to emphasize that Lagos State has not banned sachet water and does not have plans to do so,” Wahab stated, stressing the government’s focus on sustainable environmental policies rather than punitive measures.
The Lagos State Government’s clarification underscores its broader commitment to balancing environmental sustainability with economic and public health considerations.
