The Lagos State government has neither banned sachet water nor have any plans to do so, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab has said.
Wahab stated this in a post on Sunday while reacting to a viral video showing some individuals bursting sachet water packs at factories and on buses.
He debunked claims that the individuals were enforcement officers from any Lagos State Government agency or the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
According to the Commissioner, investigations revealed that the individuals in question are enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) who are on enforcement exercise targeting sachet water that does not comply with NAFDAC regulations, and in the interest public health and safety
As outlined in the Ministry’s release following the Engagement Workshop held on October 3, 2024, we remain 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,” Wahab stated.
He disclosed that the Lagos State government is 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 Lagosian,” he added.
The Lagos State government in January announced a ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam and other single use plastics in the state.
According to Wahab who made the announcement, the decision was reached following the menace which the single use plastics especially the non-biodegradable Styrofoam was causing on the environment.
He added that most drainage channels in the state are daily clogged up by Styrofoam through its indiscriminate distribution and usage despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous amounts.
Public Opinion/ Analysis:
Some Pure Water producers when contacted said, NFDAC has a standard and that you must comply. Although, Lagos State do have some levy, and sometimes send inspectors from different agencies, some environmental, some health etc but once you complied to them no issues.
Some stakeholders, says the government cannot be trusted hundred percent, with their policies. But if they want the public to believe them, let bring those officers in the video refers to open justice.
Some sellers and hawkers said what they face with environmental and health officers sometimes is alarming. The Pure Water Association was unreachable at the time of filing this story to get their opinions and analysis on the issues.
