The Lagos State government has refuted claims that it has imposed a ban on sachet water in the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued this clarification on Sunday through a statement on his official X account.
The clarification followed a viral video showing enforcement officers destroying sachet water packs in Lagos. Addressing the issue, Wahab explained that the individuals in the video were officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), not Lagos State enforcement officers.
“The officers seen in the viral video were carrying out their lawful duties as NAFDAC agents, aimed at removing unregistered and unsafe products to protect public health and safety,” Wahab stated.
He further elaborated:
“My attention has been drawn to a video showing individuals destroying sachet water packs at factories and on buses. I categorically confirm that these individuals are not officials from any Lagos State Government agency or the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
“Investigations revealed that the individuals were enforcement officers from NAFDAC conducting an exercise to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
“It is crucial to note that Lagos State has not banned sachet water and has no intention of doing so. Our focus is on effective plastic waste management and promoting public health.”
Wahab also highlighted the state’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices, mentioning the implementation of a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy for manufacturers of polythene terephthalate (PET) bottles, sachets, and carrier bags with a thickness of no less than 40 microns.
