Lagos State Denies Plans to Ban Sachet Water, Focuses on Plastic Waste Management
Lagos State has firmly denied rumors suggesting it plans to ban sachet water, following a viral video that sparked widespread confusion. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, addressed the speculation, clarifying that the state is not considering any such ban. The rumors gained traction after videos surfaced showing individuals bursting sachet water bags at factories and on buses, leading many to believe the state had taken action against the popular product.
Wahab explained that the individuals in the video were not from Lagos State agencies but were enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). According to Wahab, the enforcement was part of NAFDAC’s efforts to ensure that sachet water products comply with the agency’s health and safety regulations.
“My attention has been drawn to a viral video showing some individuals bursting sachet water packs at factories and on buses,” Wahab said in a statement. “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 Environment and Water Resources.”
He continued, “Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the individuals are from NAFDAC, and their actions are part of an enforcement exercise targeting sachet water that does not meet NAFDAC’s regulations, aimed at ensuring public health and safety.”
The commissioner emphasized that Lagos State is not banning sachet water but is instead focusing on effective plastic waste management. “Lagos State has not banned sachet water, and we have no plans to do so. Our focus remains on managing plastic waste effectively,” Wahab stated.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Lagos has introduced mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for manufacturers of plastic products, including sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging. This initiative requires producers to take responsibility for the recycling and management of the plastic waste their products generate.
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Additionally, Wahab highlighted that the state government is establishing a Plastic Waste Management Fund, designed to tackle the growing plastic waste problem in Lagos. The fund will be financed by contributions from producers and major importers, and will be managed jointly with Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).
“To support this initiative, the Lagos State government, in collaboration with producers and PROs, is establishing a Plastic Waste Management Fund,” Wahab explained. “This fund will help address the significant challenges posed by plastic waste in the state.”
Wahab also urged the public to disregard any misinformation about a ban on sachet water, reaffirming the government’s commitment to dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders in fostering sustainable waste management while balancing the needs of the economy.
Earlier this year, Lagos introduced a ban on styrofoam and single-use plastics (SUPs) as part of broader environmental efforts. However, the commissioner stressed that there are currently no plans to impose a ban on sachet water, signaling that the focus remains on responsible waste management rather than restricting consumer products.
