The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has condemned the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) for sealing several factories in Lagos over allegations of non-compliance with water abstraction regulations.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has strongly criticized LASWARCO’s actions, stating that the sealing of factories was ill-timed and unfortunate, especially considering the prevailing challenges faced by the manufacturing sector.
The affected factories include major companies like Nigerian Bottling Company, FrieslandCampina, and Guinness Nigeria Plc, which were sealed for extracting large quantities of groundwater without proper authorization.
MAN argued that the water abstraction fees imposed by LASWARCO are astronomical and unjustifiable, and that the commission’s actions exemplify the negative impact of tyranny of regulation on private business.
The association highlighted the severe consequences of LASWARCO’s actions, including unfair burden on industries, economic hardship, and regulatory tyranny.
MAN urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and order the immediate reopening of the sealed factories, allowing for a logical and passable conclusion of the ongoing conversations on how to permanently resolve the matter of outstanding fees.
