Lagos Inspects CWAY Water Factory After Viral Video, Flags Packaging Concerns

The Lagos State Government has inspected the CWAY water production facility following a viral social media video and complaints concerning the company’s products.

The inspection was carried out by officials of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) after a meeting with CWAY management, as part of efforts to assess the company’s production and distribution processes.

LASCOPA officials inspected key stages of production, including bottle filling, capping, labelling and preparation of products for distribution.

The agency also examined the company’s packaging, transportation, storage and distribution procedures.

During the inspection, some plastic packaging materials considered unsuitable for use were found set aside for disposal.

CWAY explained that the discarded bottles are processed through a grinding machine and sold to plastic industries as raw materials, with records indicating that about 1,000 bottles are discarded daily.

LASCOPA advised the company to ensure that all packaging materials are properly cleaned, maintained and fit for use.

The agency’s Director of Scientific Investigation, Research and Development, Suluka Raheem, said suitable handles should be incorporated into the bottles to minimise slippage and improve safe handling.

Raheem also recommended that CWAY establish an appropriate shelf-life for its bottles and withdraw them from circulation after the specified period.

He said: “The company should establish an appropriate shelf-life period for the bottles, after which they should be withdrawn from circulation, whether damaged or not.”

He further urged CWAY to strengthen training and sensitisation for distributors on proper handling and storage.

According to him, distributors must particularly ensure that the products are not exposed to direct sunlight during transportation.

Representing the LASCOPA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Solebo, the agency’s Board Secretary and Head of Legal, Arinola Momoh-Ayokanmbi, urged CWAY to adopt internationally recognised standards.

She said: “CWAY should adopt internationally recognised standards for the transportation, distribution and storage of its products.”

Momoh-Ayokanmbi also called on the company to address the observations made during the inspection and implement the recommendations issued by the agency.

LASCOPA said the inspection was conducted in line with its mandate to protect consumers and assess the safety of products available in the state.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health, safety and interests of consumers while promoting confidence in products sold across Lagos State.