The Lagos State government has dismissed claims that it has banned sachet water in the state, assuring residents that no such policy is in place.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, addressed the issue on Sunday following the circulation of a viral video showing individuals destroying sachet water packs at factories and on buses.
Wahab clarified that those involved in the video are not Lagos State officials but agents from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. He explained that the actions captured in the video were part of NAFDAC’s enforcement efforts to remove unsafe sachet water products from the market.
“The individuals in the video are from NAFDAC, carrying out their enforcement activities to ensure public health safety. They are not representatives of the Lagos State government or the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources,” Wahab said.
He further emphasized that the state government’s focus is on managing plastic waste through sustainable measures.
“Our strategy, as outlined during the Engagement Workshop on October 3, 2024, includes implementing Extended Producer Responsibility for producers of PET bottles, sachets, and carrier bags of no less than 40 microns,” Wahab explained.
As part of this initiative, the government is working with producers and Producer Responsibility Organisations to establish a Plastic Waste Management Fund. This fund will be supported by contributions from manufacturers and importers to address Lagos’ plastic waste challenges.
Wahab urged the public to disregard any misinformation about a sachet water ban, assuring stakeholders that the government remains committed to sustainable waste management while protecting the economic interests of residents.
Meanwhile, NAFDAC has also denied any involvement in the alleged destruction of products as shown in the video. The agency noted that stopping vehicles to destroy goods is unprofessional and not part of its standard operating procedures.
NAFDAC stated, “We are not associated with the alleged enforcement activities seen in the video. Our protocols do not include such practices.”
Residents have been advised to rely on verified information from official government sources regarding sachet water and waste management initiatives in Lagos State.
