Lagos Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab clarified his statement after NAFDAC countered his claim that its enforcement officers were involved in destroying sachet water. Wahab reaffirms that Lagos State has not banned sachet water and emphasizes the focus on plastic waste management and sustainability.
Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has clarified his statement regarding the viral video of enforcement agents destroying sachet water. Wahab initially claimed that the individuals in the video were from the Lagos State government, but after further investigation, it was confirmed that they were enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Wahab explained that the individuals were acting as part of NAFDAC’s enforcement operations targeting sachet water that did not meet regulatory standards. He emphasized that Lagos State has not banned sachet water and has no such plans, contrary to some misinformation circulating. The state’s focus, Wahab stated, remains on effective plastic waste management and the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for manufacturers of plastic products.
In response to criticisms and claims of miscommunication, Wahab clarified that his initial statement did not accuse NAFDAC of any wrongdoing. He stressed the importance of clear communication and verified facts in addressing such issues. Wahab also reiterated the state’s commitment to addressing the challenges of plastic waste through collaboration with stakeholders and the establishment of a Plastic Waste Management Fund, aimed at tackling environmental concerns while supporting the local economy.
