Lagos State Has No Plans to Ban Sachet Water, Commissioner Assures

The Lagos State Commissioner clarifies that the government has no intention of banning sachet water, addressing public concerns over potential policy changes.

The Lagos State government has not banned sachet water, nor does it have any plans to do so.

In a post on X on Sunday, Wahab responded to a viral video depicting individuals breaking sachet water packs at factories and aboard buses.

He refuted claims that the individuals were enforcement officers from any Lagos State Government agency or the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.

The Commissioner stated that investigations have shown the individuals in question to be enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). They are conducting an enforcement exercise focusing on sachet water products that do not adhere to NAFDAC regulations, with the aim of safeguarding public health and safety.

Following the Engagement Workshop on October 3, 2024, as described in the Ministry’s release, we remain dedicated to tackling plastic waste with sustainable and inclusive approaches.

“It is crucial to stress that Lagos State has neither banned sachet water nor intends to do so. Our emphasis continues to be on efficient plastic waste management,” Wahab stated.

He revealed that the Lagos State government is enforcing mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for manufacturers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and carrier bags with a minimum thickness of 40 microns.

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To bolster this initiative, the Lagos State Government is partnering with Producers and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) to create a Plastic Waste Management Fund.

The fund will be supported by contributions from producers and major importers, and it will be collaboratively managed to tackle the increasing issues of plastic waste within the State. The public is advised to ignore any false information indicating a ban on sachet water in Lagos State.

“The Ministry is dedicated to promoting dialogue and collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure sustainable waste management while supporting the economic interests of Lagosians,” he stated.

In January, the Lagos State government announced a ban on using and distributing Styrofoam and other single-use plastics in the state.

Wahab, who made the announcement, stated that the decision was reached due to the environmental damage caused by single-use plastics, particularly non-biodegradable Styrofoam.

He mentioned that despite significant spending on regular cleaning and clearing, many of the state’s drainage channels are frequently obstructed by Styrofoam due to its widespread distribution and careless use.