The economic hardship and hunger ravaging Nigeria is gradually becoming unbearable, and sadly, especially for our dear brothers and sisters in Lagos, this seems to be just the beginning.
Among other things, Lagosians will soon have to bear the burden of purchasing expensive water to drink.
Incase you missed the big announcement, be informed that the Lagos State Government has says it intend to ban the circulation of single-use plastics, and sachet water, among others from January 2025.
When that time comes, citizens and residents of Lagos will have to look for other alternatives and which other alternative is cheaper than sachet water?
Absolutely none.
The ban was confirmed by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
Wahab spoke during a stakeholders’ workshop and awareness on the implementation of the ban on the usage of Styrofoam and SUPs for packaging in Lagos.
Lagos State And Plastic Utility
According to Wahab, the ban is part of measures by the Lagos State Government to put in place policy guidelines for plastic utility.
He noted that the move will ensure sustainable management of plastic waste, healthy and safe environment.
In January 2024, the Lagos State government placed a ban on the use of styrofoam across the state.
The news, which was received with bitterness from many, followed the increasing prevalence of plastic waste and its negative effect on the environment.
While many people support the move by the government to ban sachet water, others believe that the move will only add another layer of suffering to what people are already experiencing.
However, for stakeholders in the sector, they have urged the state government to carry out the implementation of the ban in phases rather than outright enforcement.
To them, this will enable effective and efficient compliance, particularly in the present economic hardship.
The Way Forward
The Lagos chairperson, Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP), Mosaku Ololade, also shared his two cents.
He revealed that the group have been engaging with the state government on the way forward.
His words: “We have been engaging Lagos State Government on the way forward.
“We have also been sensitising our members on the planned ban.
“We want the government to continue to engage us. The association is a responsible one. We are ready to work with the government.
“There are over 2,000 members in Lagos alone with over 10,000 workers.
We hereby, implore the government to implement the ban in phases to allow our members ample opportunity for compliance.”
