1st December, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
The Lagos State Government has said it has not banned or has any plan to ban use or sale of sachet water, popularly known as ‘pure water.’
Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources said this in a statement on Sunday while reacting to a trending viral video showing some individuals bursting sachet water packs at factories and on buses.
There was insinuation in the video that the packs of sachet water were being destroyed by officials of Lagos Government because of the ban on the sale of sachet water in the state.
But in the statement, Wahab said the individuals seeing in the video destroying sachet of sachet water were not enforcement officers from any Lagos State Government agency or the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
“Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the individuals in question are enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Their actions are part of an enforcement exercise targeting sachet water that does not comply with NAFDAC regulations, and in the interest public health and safety,” the Commissioner said.
Wahab said as outlined in the Ministry’s release following the Engagement Workshop held on October 3, 2024, Lagos State Government remains 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.
“As part of our commitment, we are 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,” Wahab said.
