A viral video of an unidentified man stabbing bags of sachet water on Saturday sparked concerns that the Lagos State Government’s ban on single-use plastics had taken effect.
In response, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, clarified that the individuals in the video were not government agents but officials 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, in the interest of public health and safety,” Wahab said.
He added that the state government does not intend to ban sachet water but manage plastic waste effectively.“We are implementing mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for producers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and carrier bags of no less than 40 microns,” Wahab said. “To support this initiative, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with Producers and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), is establishing a Plastic Waste Management Fund.”
However, NAFDAC issued a statement on Sunday in response to Wahab’s remarks, denying its involvement in the sachet water enforcement exercise.
“Stopping vehicles to destroy products is unprofessional and does not align with any NAFDAC Standard Operating Procedure,” the agency said.
On Monday morning, Wahab responded to ongoing confusion about the incident in a follow-up tweet. Addressing a social media user’s tweet, he clarified that the press release did not accuse NAFDAC of wrongdoing but aimed to explain the situation transparently.
“Based on initial information, it was believed [the individuals] might be linked to NAFDAC. That said, our press statement did not accuse NAFDAC of any wrongdoing. In fact, we specifically commended their efforts in safeguarding public health and safety,” Wahab said.
He reiterated that there was no ban on the manufacture or sale of sachet water by the state government and urged the public to focus on verified facts.
The confusion has reignited discussions on Lagos’s ongoing environmental challenges. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources banned Styrofoam and other single-use plastics, citing their role in clogging gutters, canals, and other waterways.
The incident highlights the challenges of enforcing regulations and coordinating efforts between agencies. As Lagos continues its fight against plastic pollution, transparent communication and collaboration will be essential to building public trust and achieving sustainable solutions.