NAFDAC, Sachet Water Producers Trade Words On Price Increase

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dissociated itself from the 100 per cent increase in the price of sachet water.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the producers increased the price of a bag of sachet water, popular called “pure water from N70 to N100.

NAN reports that following the hike by the producers, the retailers increased the price of the commodity last week from N10 a sachet to N20 in Abuja metropolis and its suburbs.

The Association of Table Water Producers of Nigeria had in a statement attributed the increase to a directive by NAFDAC to improve the standard of the commodity.

“This is to inform the public that in line with NAFDAC directive to improve the standard of table water in Nigeria the price has now been increased to N100 per bag.”

However, NAFDAC spokesman, Mr Abubakar Jimoh, told NAN that there was no connection between the hike in price and the agency’s directive.

“The fact that NAFDAC in fulfilment of its own mandate decided to ensure that quality and standard is maintained is not a reason for the water producer to increase their prices.

“There is no connection except they have been all along looking for a justifiable reason and they now saw one.

“We want to say that it is a rumour to us. They have not come formerly to inform us.”

Jimoh also recalled that in 2009 there was an attempt by the producers to increase the price of table water.

He said the agency was opposed to the price increment even though, “we are not price regulatory agency”.

“We believe that the issue of packaged water had assisted us, especially in terms of promoting public health against water borne diseases,” he added.

Meanwhile, retailers of the commodity in Garki, Wuse, Nyanya, Karu, Jikwoyi and Lugbe, told NAN in separate interviews that the new price came into effect at the weekend.

They said producers increased the price of the sachet water from N70 to N100 per bag, adding that a bag of pure water contain 20 sachets.

“Prior to now, we sold a bag of pure water between N60 and N70 but since we received the circular from the union we adjusted to N100,” Mrs Ifeoma Okoye, the Manager of a pure water factory in Central Area, Abuja, said.

A retailer, who identified himself Sani Tanko in Garki 2 Abuja, said he bought a bag for N150 and was retailing it for N20 each.

“The profit margin is little because I will also need to buy ice-block to chill the water,” he said.