Lagos State Government Addresses Plans to Ban Sachet Water

Lagos State Dismisses Rumors of Sachet Water Ban, Focuses on Plastic Waste Management: The Lagos State Government has clarified that it has no plans to ban sachet water, addressing rumors sparked by viral videos showing individuals bursting sachet water packs in factories and buses.

Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, stated that the individuals in the videos are enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), not Lagos State officials. These actions were part of a NAFDAC operation targeting non-compliant sachet water manufacturers to ensure public health and safety.

“The Lagos State Government is not banning sachet water and has no intention to do so. Our focus is on managing plastic waste effectively,” Wahab said.

To combat plastic pollution, Lagos is implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, requiring producers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and plastic bags to take accountability for waste management. Additionally, the government is setting up a Plastic Waste Management Fund, in collaboration with producers and importers, to tackle the state’s growing plastic waste challenges.

Earlier this year, Lagos announced measures against styrofoam and single-use plastics. Despite this, Wahab emphasized that sachet water remains unaffected by any bans.

The commissioner assured Lagosians that the state is committed to fostering sustainable waste management while supporting economic activities. He urged the public to disregard misinformation and focus on the government’s efforts to create a cleaner, healthier environment.