The Lagos State Government has clarified that it has not banned sachet water and has no plans to do so, contrary to rumors circulating online.
This clarification came from Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, in a post on X on Sunday.
Wahab was responding to a viral video showing individuals destroying sachet water packs at factories and on buses. He refuted claims that the individuals were enforcement officers from Lagos State agencies or the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
According to Wahab, investigations revealed that the individuals were enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The enforcement targeted sachet water products that did not comply with NAFDAC regulations, aiming to ensure public health and safety.
He reiterated Lagos State’s commitment 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.
The Commissioner highlighted the government’s initiatives, including mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for producers of plastic products such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and carrier bags of no less than 40 microns.
Additionally, the government, in collaboration with Producers and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), is establishing a Plastic Waste Management Fund. This fund, jointly financed and managed by producers and importers, aims to tackle the growing challenges of plastic waste in the state.
Wahab urged Lagosians to disregard misinformation about a sachet water ban and assured the public of the government’s dedication to sustainable waste management while safeguarding economic interests.
In January, Lagos State announced a ban on Styrofoam and other single-use plastics due to their environmental impact. Wahab noted that non-biodegradable Styrofoam contributes significantly to drainage blockages, despite regular cleaning and evacuations that incur substantial costs.
