Lagos denies ban on sachet water

The Lagos State Government has refuted claims that it has banned sachet water.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in the state, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on X on Sunday, clarified that the government has no intention of banning sachet water.

Wahab stated this when he addressed a recent viral video showing individuals destroying sachet water packs. He stressed that these individuals were not acting on behalf of the Lagos State Government.

According to the Commissioner, investigations revealed that the individuals in question are enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) who are on an enforcement exercise targeting sachet water that does not comply with NAFDAC regulations, and in the interest of public health and safety.

The commissioner emphasized the state government’s commitment to sustainable waste management and its implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic waste, including PET, sachets, and carrier bags.

“As outlined in the Ministry’s release following the Engagement Workshop held on October 3, 2024, we remain committed to addressing plastic waste through sustainable and inclusive measures.

“It is important to emphasize that Lagos State has not banned sachet water and does not have plans to do so. Our focus remains on effective plastic waste management,” Wahab stated.

He also highlighted the establishment of a Plastic Waste Management Fund, financed by producers and major importers, to address plastic waste challenges.

He disclosed that the Lagos State government is implementing mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for producers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and carrier bags of no less than 40 microns.

“To further support this initiative, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with Producers and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), is establishing a Plastic Waste Management Fund.

“This fund will be financed by contributions from producers and major importers, and it will be jointly managed to address the growing challenges of plastic waste in the State. Members of the public should disregard any misinformation suggesting a ban on sachet water in Lagos State.

“The Ministry is fully committed to fostering dialogue and working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure sustainable waste management while supporting the economic interests of Lagosians,” he added.

The Lagos State government had in January announced a ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics in the state.

According to Wahab, who made the announcement, the decision was reached following the menace that single-use plastics, especially the non-biodegradable Styrofoam, were causing on the environment.

He added that most drainage channels in the state are daily clogged up by Styrofoam through its indiscriminate distribution and usage despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous amounts.