We have no plan to bän pure water: Lagos State Govt
There have been rumors and speculations that the Lagos state government is planning to bän pure water, also known as sachet water.
However, Lagos State, through its commissioner for Environment and Water Resources has debunked the trending rumour.
The Lagos State Government has clarified that it has not imposed, nor does it intend to impose a bän on the production, sale, or use of sachet water, commonly referred to as “pure water.”
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, addressed the matter in a statement on Sunday. He was responding to a viral video circulating online that showed individuals destroying sachet water packs at factories and on buses.
The video sparked speculation that government officials were behind the destruction due to an alleged pure water bän in the state.
The commissioner revealed that the persons in the viral video are not enforcement agents of the Lagos State Government.
“Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the individuals in question are enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Their actions are part of an enforcement exercise targeting sachet water that does not comply with NAFDAC regulations, and in the interest of public health and safety,” the Commissioner said.
Wahab emphasized that, as mentioned in the Ministry’s announcement following the Engagement Workshop on October 3, 2024, the Lagos State Government is committed to addressing plastic waste through sustainable and inclusive approaches.
“It is important to emphasize that Lagos State has not bänned sachet water and does not have plans to do so. Our focus remains on effective plastic waste management.
“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.
“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 bän on pure water in Lagos State. The Ministry is fully committed to fostering dialogue and working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure sustainable waste management while supporting the economic interests of Lagosians,” Wahab said.
