The Lagos State Government has officially clarified that it has no plans to ban sachet water in the state, following widespread rumors sparked by a viral video. The video, which showed individuals bursting sachet water packs in factories and on buses, led to speculations that the government was implementing a ban on the popular product. The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, addressed these concerns in a statement shared on his X handle on Sunday.
In his statement, Wahab responded directly to the circulating video, emphasizing that the individuals seen in the footage were not government enforcement officers. He said, “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 Environment and Water Resources.”
Wahab clarified that the enforcement officers shown in the video were actually from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). He explained that their actions were part of an exercise to ensure sachet water complied with NAFDAC regulations aimed at protecting public health. “Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the individuals in question are enforcement officers from NAFDAC. Their actions are part of an enforcement exercise targeting sachet water that does not comply with NAFDAC regulations and is in the interest of public health and safety,” Wahab stated.
The Commissioner further assured Lagos residents that the state government had no intentions of banning sachet water. “It is important to emphasise that Lagos State has not banned sachet water and does not have plans to do so. Our focus remains on effective plastic waste management,” Wahab affirmed. This reassurance comes as the state continues to address the growing issue of plastic waste and its environmental impact.
Wahab highlighted that the state government’s approach to plastic waste management includes mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for producers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and carrier bags. These producers are required to take responsibility for the lifecycle of their products, which includes ensuring proper disposal and recycling. “As part of our commitment, we are implementing mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for producers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and carrier bags of no less than 40 microns,” he explained.
The Lagos State Government is also collaborating with producers and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) to establish a Plastic Waste Management Fund. This fund will be financed by contributions from producers and major importers and will be jointly managed to tackle the challenges posed by plastic waste. “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,” Wahab announced.
Wahab urged the public to ignore any misinformation suggesting that sachet water would be banned in Lagos, stressing that such claims were unfounded. “I urge the public to disregard any misinformation suggesting a ban on sachet water in Lagos,” he said, emphasizing that the state’s focus remains on sustainable waste management and not on restricting consumer products like sachet water.
The clarification comes after the state government previously addressed concerns about a planned ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam. In mid-October 2024, the government confirmed that the upcoming ban, set to take effect in January 2025, would not include sachet water or PET bottles. This distinction was made clear to ensure that residents were properly informed about the government’s environmental policies.
