The Lagos State Government has once again clarified that it has no intention of banning sachet water in the state, following the circulation of a viral video that sparked widespread speculation about such a move.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Sunday, Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, addressed concerns raised by the video. The footage depicted individuals bursting packs of sachet water at factories and on buses, leading to rumors that the government was planning a ban on the product.
Wahab quickly dismissed claims that the individuals in the video were government enforcement officers, emphasizing that they were, in fact, operatives from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to Wahab, the NAFDAC officers were conducting an enforcement operation targeting sachet water that did not meet regulatory standards for public health and safety.
“My attention has been drawn to a viral video showing individuals bursting sachet water packs. I want to categorically state that these individuals are not enforcement officers from any Lagos State Government agency or the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources,” Wahab stated. “Upon investigation, it was confirmed that these actions are part of NAFDAC’s exercise to ensure compliance with public health regulations.”
Wahab reassured the public that Lagos State has not banned sachet water and has no plans to do so. He reiterated that the state’s focus is on tackling plastic waste through sustainable and inclusive measures. This approach was outlined during an Engagement Workshop held on October 3, 2024.
The commissioner further explained that the state is actively working on improving plastic waste management, including the implementation of a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for producers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, sachets, and carrier bags. This initiative requires producers to take responsibility for managing the waste generated by their products.
Additionally, the Lagos State Government is collaborating with Producers and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) to establish a Plastic Waste Management Fund. This fund will be supported by contributions from producers and major importers and will focus on addressing the growing plastic waste challenge in the state.
Wahab urged residents to disregard any misinformation suggesting that the government plans to ban sachet water. He reiterated that the state’s policy is focused on sustainable waste management rather than banning essential products.
In mid-October 2024, the Lagos State Government also clarified that the upcoming ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam, set to take effect in January 2025, will not include sachet water or PET bottles.
