The Association of Table Waters Producers of Nigeria has issued a startling announcement, revealing that sachet water, commonly known as pure water, may soon be priced at N100 each due to soaring production costs.
Expressing their concerns at a press conference held in Lagos on Tuesday, members of the association highlighted challenges such as skyrocketing diesel prices, power shortages, and exorbitant production expenses.
They emphasized that the escalating prices of packaging materials directly reflect the country’s economic plight.
MUK TV recalls that ice water has resurfaced in the market as a sachet of pure water now sells at N50 across many parts of the country, becoming an alternative to Nigerians who cannot afford the latter.
Association President, Clementina Ativie, lamented, “Pure water is sold for N50 now, and it is even going up to N100 per one. At our own end, there’s nothing we can do. The cost of production is high.
“As of last year December, we were buying materials (nylon) for N1,100 per kg. The 6kg of nylon is now N3,600/N3,700. The cost of treatment is also high. The increase in prices of these materials comes at three times in one week. It is also difficult for us to increase the price of water.”
Ativie continued, “If ordinary Nigerians can’t afford pure water, I don’t know where we are going. Every water producer is funding the pure water factory from personal pockets or borrowed money.
“Many banks don’t give pure water producers loans. We want Nigerians to bear with us. We don’t want Nigerians to buy water at more than N20 per sachet. The cost of production including the price of diesel has affected so many things.”
Imolabake Mostri, Chairman of the Lagos State Association for Table Water Producers, warned of the potential fallout if over 30,000 association members were forced to lay off staff due to financial strain.
She cautioned that such a scenario could overwhelm the government, exacerbating unemployment and potentially leading to a surge in crime among disaffected youths.
