The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has firmly rejected allegations of involvement in a controversial video showing sachet water destruction, sparking widespread public speculation about potential regulatory actions in Lagos State.
A viral video circulating on social media depicted unknown individuals using an iron rod to destroy bags of sachet water on a truck, prompting immediate concern and confusion about potential new regulations.
Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, initially claimed the individuals were NAFDAC enforcement officers conducting a targeted operation against non-compliant sachet water producers. However, NAFDAC swiftly countered these assertions.
“Stopping vehicles to destroy products is unprofessional and does not align with any NAFDAC Standard Operating Procedure,” the agency stated categorically in a public statement released on X (formerly Twitter).
NAFDAC explicitly declared, “The videos circulating of individuals engaging in enforcement activities are NOT NAFDAC officials or part of our Investigation & Enforcement team.”
The incident emerged against the backdrop of Lagos State’s upcoming ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam, scheduled to take effect in January 2025. Despite speculation, the state government had previously clarified that this ban would not include sachet water or PET bottles.
Commissioner Wahab subsequently emphasized that the Lagos State Government was not responsible for the video’s content.
“I wish to categorically state that these individuals are not enforcement officers from any Lagos State Government agency,” he explained.
The commissioner further outlined the state’s approach to plastic waste management, highlighting plans to establish a Plastic Waste Management Fund in collaboration with Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) and major importers.
“Our priority is addressing plastic waste through sustainable, inclusive strategies. Sachet water remains an essential product, and we are working to regulate its environmental impact while supporting economic activities,” Wahab stated.
