Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources in Lagos, says the state has no plans to ban sachet water.
Rumours of Lagos banning the popular sachet water swirled, after videos of some men bursting water bags in factories and buses, made the round on social media.
Wahab said investigations revealed that the individuals in the viral videos are enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
He said Lagos is only focused on effective management of plastic waste.
“My attention has been drawn to a viral video showing some individuals bursting sachet water packs at factories and on buses,” Wahab said.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
The commissioner said as part of efforts to keep Lagos clean, the government is establishing a plastic waste management fund.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
Earlier this year, Lagos announced a ban on styrofoam and single-use plastics (SUPs).
The commissioner had said Lagos had no “immediate plans” to ban sachet water.
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