Oyo Assembly Urged to Exclude Sachet Water from Ban

The Association of Table Water Producers Nigeria (ATWAP), represented by its Oyo State chapter chairman Mr. Oladejo Adegboyega, has appealed to the Oyo State House of Assembly to exclude sachet water from the proposed single-use plastics prohibition bill currently under consideration.

During a press briefing held on Tuesday, Adegboyega expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed ban, warning that it could have severe economic and social repercussions. The bill aims to prohibit the import, distribution, sale, and use of single-use plastics across the state, including plastic shopping bags and sachet water bags, as part of efforts to reduce plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability.

Adegboyega argued that sachet water production provides safe and hygienic drinking water to millions, particularly in areas with inadequate access to potable water. He emphasized the necessity of sachet water, especially given the lack of regular piped water supply in the state.

The association warned that the ban could jeopardize thousands of jobs and disrupt the livelihoods of those in the sachet water industry.