‘Pure water’ not yet banned in Lagos, says Lagos commissioner

• However, following a meeting with stakeholders, the ban was postponed by three weeks. The commissioner clarified in an interview with TheCable that the ban specifically targets styrofoam due to its non-biodegradable nature
  

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After the recent ban on styrofoam and single-use plastics (SUPs) in Lagos, there have been inquiries about whether sachet water, commonly referred to as “pure water” in Nigeria, is included in the prohibited items.

Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos commissioner for environment and water resources, initially announced the ban on January 21, citing the environmental impact of SUPs, especially styrofoam.

However, following a meeting with stakeholders, the ban was postponed by three weeks. The commissioner clarified in an interview with TheCable that the ban specifically targets styrofoam due to its non-biodegradable nature.

“Disposable plastic cutlery and plates are also banned. Biodegradable alternatives will be encouraged, while single-use options will be banned,” he added.

He said plastic bottles are not banned but that “encouragement will shift towards refill and deposit-refund systems, not outright bans”.

When asked if pure water is also on the banned list, Tokunbo said: “Not in the immediate”.

As businesses begin to adjust to the new policy in Lagos, environmentalists have rallied round the decision, saying it is a step in the right direction, and one that will help tackle the menace of plastic pollution in Nigeria’s most populous city.