The Lagos State government has not banned sachet water, nor does it have any plans to do so, according to Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources.
Wahab made this clarification in a post on X on Sunday, following a viral video that showed individuals bursting sachet water packs at factories and on buses.
He dismissed claims that the individuals in the video were enforcement officers from any Lagos State Government agency or the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
Investigations revealed that they were enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), conducting an operation to target sachet water that does not meet NAFDAC’s regulations, with the goal of ensuring public health and safety.
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“As outlined in the Ministry’s release following the Engagement Workshop held on October 3, 2024, we remain committed to addressing plastic waste through sustainable and inclusive measures.
“It is important to emphasize 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 stated.
He revealed that the Lagos State government is enforcing a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for producers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and carrier bags with a thickness of at least 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 ban on sachet 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,” he added.
In January, the Lagos State government announced a ban on the use and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics across the state.
According to Wahab, who made the announcement, the decision was made in response to the environmental damage caused by single-use plastics, particularly non-biodegradable Styrofoam.
He further explained that Styrofoam is a major contributor to the frequent clogging of drainage channels, with its widespread and careless distribution continuing despite regular cleaning and the significant resources invested in drain evacuation.
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