Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, stated that the Lagos State administration has not prohibited sachet water and has no plans to do so.
Wahab claimed this in a post on X on Sunday, in response to a viral video showing some people bursting sachet water packets at factories and on buses.
He denied that the persons were enforcement officers for any Lagos State Government body or the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
According to the Commissioner, the individuals in question are enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) who are conducting an enforcement exercise aimed at sachet water that does not comply with NAFDAC regulations in the interest of public health and safety.
“As stated in the Ministry’s announcement during the October 3, 2024, Engagement Workshop, we are still committed to eliminating plastic waste through sustainable and inclusive approaches.
“It is critical to note that Lagos State has not prohibited sachet water and has no plans to do so. “Our primary focus remains on effective plastic waste management,” Wahab added.
“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.
He revealed that the Lagos State government has implemented mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for producers of polyethene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and carrier bags with a minimum thickness of 40 microns.
“To further support this initiative, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with producers and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), is establishing a Plastic Waste Management Fund.
“This fund will be funded by contributions from producers and big importers and managed collaboratively to address the state’s growing plastic waste concerns. Members of the public should avoid any misinformation claiming that sachet water is banned in Lagos State.”
