By Ayo Kehinde
Governor Sanwo-Olu
The Lagos State Government has refuted social media reports alleging plans to ban sachet water in the state, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement on Sunday, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, clarified that the viral video showing individuals destroying sachet water packs had no connection to the state government.
“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 Ministry of Environment and Water Resources,” Wahab said.
He explained that an investigation revealed that the individuals in the video were enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
“Their actions are part of an enforcement exercise targeting sachet water that does not comply with NAFDAC regulations, undertaken in the interest of public health and safety,” he noted.
Wahab emphasized that Lagos State has no plans to ban sachet water, stressing that the government’s efforts are focused on tackling plastic waste through effective management strategies.
“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 stated.
He added that the state, in collaboration with Producers and Producer Responsibility Organisations is establishing a Plastic Waste Management Fund. The fund will be financed by contributions from producers and major importers and jointly managed to address the mounting challenges of plastic waste in Lagos.
The commissioner urged residents to disregard any misinformation suggesting a ban on sachet water in the state, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
