The Association of Table Waters Producers of Nigeria has announced that sachet water popularly called pure water could be sold for as high as N100 each, citing high production material costs.
The manufacturers disclosed this at a press conference held in Lagos on the rising production cost of packaging materials and its effect in Nigeria.
They producers explained that for consumers to be able to have access to quality water at their doorsteps, they have to pay more.
The President of the association, Clementina Ativie, said, “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 December, we were buying materials (nylon) for N1,100 per kg. The 6 kg 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.
“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.”
Speaking on the effect it would have if over 30,000 members of the association and their staff, the Chairman, Lagos State Association for Table Water Producers, Imolabake Mostri, said the Federal Government would not be able to cope with the crisis of the layoff.
“If we eventually fold up, you can do the maths, 30 to 20 workers by 30,000 producers all over Nigeria, I do not think the government would be able to cope with the crisis we would have in our hands.
“These are youths that are not employed, hence they can engage in crime.”
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