The cost of sachet water in Nigeria has skyrocketed in recent months, leaving many Nigerians struggling to afford this essential source of drinking water. The price surge, which has seen a bag of sachet water selling for as high as N500, has forced citizens to seek alternative sources of water, with significant health implications.
In response to the soaring prices, many families have turned to borehole water as a substitute, despite concerns about its safety. Residents in areas like Lokoja and Abuja have resorted to fetching water from boreholes and packaging them in containers for daily consumption. Some local restaurants have even stopped serving water to customers, opting to provide water purchased from vendors instead.
Experts have pointed out that boiled borehole water is safer to consume than sachet water, but many Nigerians find it challenging to process their water due to economic constraints. With the average household needing at least 25 sachets of water per day for normal consumption, the cost of sachet water alone can be a significant financial burden.
The Association of Pure Water Producers has expressed concerns over the rising prices, warning that the cost may surge to N100 per sachet if urgent measures are not taken. The high cost of production, coupled with exorbitant pricing strategies of nylon producers, has placed an unbearable burden on pure water producers.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has identified various product associations, including sachet water producers, as contributing to the price hike. These associations sometimes impose lower purchase rates on producers while reselling to consumers at inflated prices, leading to the emergence of cartels in the market.
Economists have blamed greed for the price hike, accusing pure water producers of taking advantage of the situation to make excessive profits. Calls have been made for the government to establish price control boards to regulate the prices of commodities and protect consumers from exploitation.
As Nigerians continue to grapple with the high cost of sachet water, the need for sustainable solutions to ensure access to safe and affordable drinking water remains a pressing issue. The resilience and adaptability of Nigerians in the face of adversity are once again being tested, highlighting the importance of addressing this critical challenge for the well-being of all citizens.
