LASCOPA inspects CWAY facility following viral complaints

Following a viral social media video and surging consumer complaints, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has conducted an unscheduled inspection of the company’s water production facility.

The visit is in line with the Agency’s mandate to protect consumer rights and safety.

According to a statement, LASCOPA disclosed that its visit nvolved a thorough assessment of CWAY’s end-to-end production, packaging, transportation, storage, and distribution processes.

The agency noted that its officials toured key operational areas, inspecting bottle filling, capping, labelling, and distribution readiness.

During the tour, inspectors noted that the company had already set aside certain plastic packaging materials deemed unsuitable for use.

CWAY representatives explained that these discarded bottles are systematically processed through an industrial grinding machine and sold to recycling and plastic industries as raw materials.

According to company records, an average of 1,000 defective or worn bottles are discarded daily.

While acknowledging the company’s recycling measures, the Director of Scientific Investigation, Research and Development at LASCOPA, Mr. Suluka Raheem, urged CWAY to ensure strict adherence to cleanliness, maintenance, and overall fitness standards for all active packaging materials.

To enhance consumer safety, Mr. Raheem recommended incorporating suitable handles on bottles to minimize slippage and improve handling.

He further advised the establishment of a definitive shelf-life period for bottles, after which they must be permanently withdrawn from circulation regardless of whether visible damage is present.

Additional recommendations included intensified capacity-building and sensitization for distributors regarding proper storage and handling, specifically warning against the exposure of products to direct sunlight during transit.

Representing LASCOPA General Manager and CEO Afolabi Solebo Esq., the Agency’s Board Secretary and Head of Legal, Mrs. Arinola Momoh-Ayokanmbi urged CWAY management to adopt internationally recognized standards across all logistics and supply chain tiers.

She mandated the company to promptly address all observations and fully implement the safety recommendations resulting from the inspection.

Reiterating its uncompromising stance on public safety, LASCOPA reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the health and interests of Lagos State consumers while fostering market confidence.

The inspection concluded with active participation from senior management representatives and officials from both LASCOPA and CWAY.