After a viral video surfaced on social media alongside complaints about its products, officials of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) visited CWAY’s water production facility for an inspection.
The visit came after discussions between the agency and CWAY’s management, with officials taking a closer look at the company’s production processes. They also inspected the way its products are packaged, stored, transported and distributed to consumers across Lagos State, as part of efforts to ensure that consumer protection standards are being followed.
During the inspection, the LASCOPA team visited various sections of the production facility, observing critical stages of the manufacturing process, including bottle filling, capping, labelling and preparation of finished products for distribution.
The agency also examined the company’s procedures for packaging, transportation and storage, with particular attention to the condition and handling of materials used in the production and distribution of the products.
Some plastic packaging materials considered unsuitable for use were found set aside for disposal during the inspection.
CWAY explained to the officials that the discarded bottles undergo recycling through a grinding machine before being sold to plastic industries for use as raw materials. Records presented during the inspection indicated that the company discards approximately 1,000 bottles daily.
Following its assessment, LASCOPA advised the company to ensure that all packaging materials used in its operations are properly cleaned, adequately maintained and suitable for use.
The agency’s Director of Scientific Investigation, Research and Development, Suluka Raheem, also raised concerns about the handling of the bottles, recommending that suitable handles be incorporated into their design to reduce slippage and improve safety during transportation and use.
Raheem further advised the company to establish a clearly defined shelf-life for its bottles and ensure that they are withdrawn from circulation once the specified period expires.
“The company should establish an appropriate shelf-life period for the bottles, after which they should be withdrawn from circulation, whether damaged or not,” he said.
The recommendation was part of broader measures proposed by the agency to strengthen product safety and reduce potential risks associated with the continued use of worn or unsuitable packaging materials.
Raheem also urged CWAY to intensify training and sensitisation programmes for distributors, particularly on the proper handling and storage of its products.
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 align its transportation, distribution and storage practices with internationally recognised standards.
“CWAY should adopt internationally recognised standards for the transportation, distribution and storage of its products,” she said.
Momoh-Ayokanmbi further urged the company to address the observations made by the agency during the inspection and implement the recommendations issued by the consumer protection body.
The inspection came against the backdrop of concerns generated by a viral social media video and complaints about CWAY products, prompting the state consumer protection agency to assess the company’s operations firsthand.
LASCOPA said the exercise was carried out as part of its statutory responsibility to protect consumers and assess the safety and suitability of products available to residents of Lagos State.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting the health, safety and interests of consumers while promoting confidence in products sold and distributed across the state.