LAGOS, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government has denied claims circulating on social media that it has banned sachet water, popularly known as “pure water.”
The clarification follows a viral video showing individuals bursting packs of sachet water in what appeared to be an enforcement operation.
In a statement on Sunday, December 1, 2024, Tokunbo Wahab, the commissioner for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, explained that the individuals in the video were enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, not Lagos State officials.
My attention has been drawn to a viral video showing some individuals bursting sachet water packs at factories and on buses. I wish to categorically state that these individuals are not enforcement officers from any Lagos State Government agency or the Lagos State Ministry of the…
— Tokunbo Wahab (@tokunbo_wahab) December 1, 2024
Wahab clarified that the NAFDAC operation targeted sachet water products that do not comply with the agency’s safety regulations.
“Their actions are part of an enforcement exercise targeting sachet water that does not comply with NAFDAC regulations, and in the interest of public health and safety,” he stated.
The Commissioner reaffirmed that Lagos State has not banned sachet water and has no plans to do so. Instead, the government is focused on tackling plastic waste through sustainable measures.
“Lagos State remains committed to addressing plastic waste through sustainable and inclusive measures,” Wahab said, referencing the outcomes of an October 3 Engagement Workshop.
As part of these efforts, the state has introduced mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for producers of sachets, PET bottles, and plastic bags of no less than 40 microns.
To support this initiative, a Plastic Waste Management Fund is being established in collaboration with producers and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).
The statement urged Lagosians to disregard any misinformation about a sachet water ban.
“Our focus remains on effective plastic waste management while supporting the economic interests of Lagosians,” Wahab said.
He also called for continued collaboration with stakeholders to address plastic waste challenges and ensure sustainable development.
The clarification highlights the state government’s dedication to balancing environmental sustainability with the economic realities of residents, while ensuring public health and safety.
Below is the viral video showing an “official” busting bags of satchet water in a truck.
Currently, in Lagos State, agents are destroying pure water sachets.😱😱😩 pic.twitter.com/1YYoYNruPt
— Timi of Lagos (@timi_of_lagos) November 30, 2024
