Lagos residents have voiced concerns over the state government’s proposed ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) and sachet water, warning that it could lead to widespread job losses and economic disruption. The planned ban, scheduled to take effect in January 2025, was announced by Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, during a recent stakeholders’ workshop.
Wahab explained that the policy aims to address the environmental threat posed by non-biodegradable plastics like styrofoam and sachet water, which take centuries to degrade. The government plans to work with private sector organizations to develop sustainable alternatives.
However, many residents and stakeholders in the sachet water industry are alarmed by the potential impact. Akinyemi Bolaji, Sales Manager at Aremson Water Ltd., expressed concern, stating, “The ban will not favor anyone, and it will make thousands of people lose their source of livelihood.” He emphasized the need for alternative solutions and better waste management practices, rather than an outright ban.
Retailers and street vendors, who rely heavily on sachet water sales, echoed similar sentiments. Vera Osiyemi, a water seller, warned that banning sachet water could exacerbate cholera outbreaks, while another seller, Afusat Ajibola, stressed that the ban would make it difficult to provide affordable clean water to the public.
Water distributors like Chinedu Eze also voiced uncertainty about the future of their businesses, fearing the economic fallout of the ban. Meanwhile, medical professionals, such as Dr. Olufemi Adeyemi, urged the government to invest in public water systems to reduce reliance on sachet water before enforcing the ban.
The residents are calling for improved regulation, better waste disposal systems, and investments in local water infrastructure to address environmental concerns without endangering livelihoods.
