Residents of Lagos have raised alarm over the Lagos State Government’s proposed ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) and sachet water, expressing concerns that it could lead to job losses and disrupt livelihoods.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, residents urged the government to reconsider its stance, warning of economic hardships if the policy is enforced.
NAN reports that the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, recently disclosed during a stakeholders’ workshop that the ban on SUPs and sachet water is set to take effect in January 2025.
He explained that the initiative aims to manage plastic waste and protect public health and the environment.
“Styrofoam and single-use plastics take centuries to degrade, which is why the ban is crucial for environmental sustainability,” Wahab said, noting that the state is working with private sector organizations to develop alternatives and research new technological solutions.
Despite the environmental rationale, the announcement has sparked fears in the manufacturing, retail, and water vending sectors. Many depend on sachet water production and sales as a source of livelihood.
Akinyemi Bolaji, Sales Manager at Aremson Water Ltd. in Ojo First Gate, shared his concerns: “The ban will not favour anyone, and it will make thousands of people lose their source of livelihood. People are consuming sachet water daily. The question is: Is the government providing clean water alternatives?”
While acknowledging the government’s good intentions, Bolaji suggested that a better approach would be to educate people on waste management and offer viable alternatives. “Eradicating SUP factories is not the solution. The government should focus on education and better waste disposal. For instance, putting bins at every bus stop would help address the issue of plastic waste,” he said.
Retail water seller Mrs. Vera Osiyemi echoed Bolaji’s concerns, emphasizing the role sachet water plays in curbing cholera. “If the government bans it, does it mean we’re going back to the days of selling iced water? The solution lies in creating awareness about proper disposal and providing bins, like we had in the past,” she said.
Mrs. Afusat Ajibola, another vendor, warned of the potential health risks: “If the government goes ahead with this, we could face a cholera outbreak. The idea of banning sachet water won’t work because people still need access to affordable clean water.”
Similarly, Miss Joy Okafor, a sachet water seller, expressed skepticism about the government’s plans: “Even if the government bans it, it’s not just sachet water that blocks the drains. Other things contribute as well. Will they provide clean pipe-borne water for every household?”
Chinedu Eze, a water distributor, voiced his apprehension over the future of his business: “I’ve been in the water distribution business for years, and now I’m uncertain about what’s next. This isn’t just about water, but survival for thousands of people.”
For many, the proposed ban threatens not just their economic security but also access to potable water. Dr. Olufemi Adeyemi, a Lagos-based medical practitioner, warned that without viable alternatives, Lagosians could lose access to affordable water. “Though some sachet water brands lack proper regulation and can be unsafe, banning them without alternatives will leave many Nigerians without a reliable source of clean water,” he said.
He urged the government to consider investing in public water systems before enforcing the ban. “Instead of an outright ban, the government should work towards providing accessible clean water for urban and rural areas, reducing the population’s reliance on sachet water,” Adeyemi advised.
Another resident, identified as Mummy Boma, who depends on sachet water sales for her livelihood, expressed fear over how the ban might affect her family: “Selling pure water is how I feed my children and pay their school fees. Bottled water is too expensive to sell in bulk. The government should focus on regulating sachet water producers to ensure proper hygiene and quality control, rather than banning it outright.”
As January 2025 approaches, stakeholders across Lagos are anxiously awaiting more clarity from the government on how the ban will be implemented and what alternatives will be provided to protect both jobs and public health.
