The energy in the hall was unmistakable as members of the Hygienic Water Producers Association of Nigeria (HWAPAN), Lagos State Chapter, gathered for their long-awaited Third Annual General Meeting (AGM). After three years without an AGM with the 2023 national convention in Port Harcourt serving as the only major gathering, the 2025 return was more than just a meeting. It was a homecoming.

Producers across Lagos arrived filled with renewed strength, purpose, and a shared resolve to protect, improve, and elevate the packaged water industry.

The business year was described as “rosy but with thorns,” a sentiment that every packaged-water producer in Lagos easily understood. The biggest challenge came from the Lagos State government’s proposed ban on nylons below 40 microns, a regulation that directly affected sachet-water packaging.

A Year of Challenges and Courage

For many, it felt like an existential threat; a policy capable of disrupting production across the state.

Yet HWAPAN stood firm.

Through tough dialogue, persistent engagement, and strategic negotiation, the association secured its inclusion in the Lagos Waste Management Scheme and agreed to contribute to the Plastic Waste Management Fund; a responsible step toward environmental sustainability.

While some members initially resisted, Chairman Rev. Ebere S. Ibeawuchi delivered a message that resonated deeply:

“It is our business to safeguard our business.”

A Unified Front on Pricing: The ₦400 Standard

With the rising cost of raw materials, printing, nylon, fuel, and factory operations, pricing became another major topic.

Producers unanimously reaffirmed that the minimum price of a bag of sachet water remains ₦400.

Mrs. Oyeniran Mariam of Badagry emphasized the reality:

“Water may be free, but packaging, printing, transport, and factory work are not.”

Madam Stella of Alimosho strengthened the message with a public health reminder:

“Don’t buy water that can cause cholera. Buy good water – a bag costs ₦400.”

The AGM made one thing clear: pricing must reflect quality, safety, and sustainability.

Growth, Expansion, and the Spirit of One Lagos

HWAPAN Lagos proudly announced an expansion to 12 recognized operational areas, including the newly added Alimosho 3. The association now has strong presence in:

• Kosofe
• Shomolu–Bariga
• Yaba
• Mushin
• Surulere
• Apapa
• Amuwo-Odofin
• Badagry
• Ifako-Ijaiye
• Lagos Island
• Alimosho 1, 2, and 3

In the words of Chairman Rev. Ibeawuchi:

“Lagos is now HWAPAN.”

He reminded members of the association’s core philosophy:

“No producer is bigger or smaller. All opinions count. Injury to one is injury to all.”

Membership, he emphasized, is about commitment — not company size.

Stronger Together: Collaboration With NAFDAC and SON

No story of HWAPAN’s progress would be complete without acknowledging regulators.
NAFDAC and SON were applauded for their continuous seminars, compliance training, and industry guidance.

Members admitted that:

• ignorance is no longer an excuse
• standards must be upheld
• quality is non-negotiable

The relationship between regulators and producers has grown into one of partnership, not punishment.

A New Dawn: Launch of the HWAPAN Constitution & Byelaws

One of the most significant milestones of the AGM was the unveiling of the first-ever combined HWAPAN Lagos Constitution and Byelaws booklet. For the association, it symbolized:

• transparency
• accountability
• modernization
• structural growth

This marked a new era of organizational order and clarity.

“From Water, We Are Giving Life”

The welfare officer, Mrs. Akanbi of De Authentic Water, captured the emotional heartbeat of the day:

“HWAPAN is living life. From water, we have been giving life.”

Her words summarized the spirit of an association built on service, safety, and community impact.

Looking Ahead: Stronger, Louder, and More United

As the 2025 AGM concluded, one truth became clear:

HWAPAN Lagos is not just surviving; it is thriving.

The association has become a force powered by:

• unity
• resilience
• responsible leadership
• regulatory collaboration
• unwavering belief in quality water production

The journey has not been easy, but it has been worthwhile. And as Lagos’ water producers march forward together, their message to the state, to regulators, and to consumers is simple:

“Together, we can always do more.”