Table Water Producers decry multiple taxation say it could drive investors away

By Afolabi Oyekunle.

The World water day was celebrated in the World on March 22nd 2025, Nigeria was not left out as Association for Table Water Producers  held a symposium to mark the day.

The symposium which was put together by the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) of Nigeria, South West/Kwara zone, took place at St. Michael primary school, Ota, in Ogun State.

The focus was on how to preserve mineral resources in production of water, with emphasis on GLACIER a key element in production of water.

Picture  of some of the leaders of the Association. 

Glaciers are vast masses of ice that form over centuries from accumulated snowfall. They are found in mountainous regions and polar areas, acting as essential reservors of fresh waters. However due to climate and human activities, glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, posing significant threat to water availability and human livelihoods.

Leaders of the Association who spoke at the occasion were unanimous that the members need governments support in form of soft loans for the survival of the water industry as with the present day cost of water production the producers are struggling to break even.

            A cross section of the Delegates 

Ogun State Chairman of the Table Water Producers of Nigeria, Mr . Babatunde Lawal used the occasion to call on the governments to reduce the numbers of government agencies regularly patronizing water factories for inspection.

Account to him more than eleven agencies patronize their factories demanding for one payment or the other thereby giving rise to cost of production.

He also decried the multiple taxes paid to government.  Mr. Lawal was in allign with other members who called on government to provide soft loans to members.

In the address sent to the occasion, the President Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria, Dr. Clemenita Chinhe Ativie said her members throughout Nigeria work tirelessly to provide affordable and accessible drinking water to millions of the people and called for recognition of their efforts in a broader commitment to preserving the country's water including glaciers.

She said the Association recognize climate change in global waters and the need for responsible stakeholders water management practices, reduce their carbon footprint and support initiatives that protect and preserve water resources.

Lagos State Chairperson of the Association, Madam Mosaku Omolabake Ololade, Managing Director of  Megaright Waters based in Lekki, said the governments need to come to the aid of water producers through loans as being done to other sectors of the economy.

Lagos State Chairperson Mosaku Ololade being interviewed.

She said the governments attitude towards water producers was like they are not recognized despite the fact that water is a key element in human survival.

According to her, the Association is well structure towards supervising all members to adhere to ethical rules in their production.  She said under her leadership in Lagos members are well disciplined and will not compromise standard in their production.

Some of the Delegates at the occasion

The South West Zonal Secretary and Lagos State General Secretary of the Association, Mr. Obadairo Oluwasegun was emphatic that the government needs to give proper recognition to genuine water producers and come to their aid as the cost of production of table water was too much and could kill the industry driving potentials investors away.

Mr. Oluwasegun said the Association was well regulated and will not give room for quacks to penetrate the industry towards betterment of the health of the people.

It was generally agreed at the occasion that as water is a key to health and human survival, natural resources in water production need to be preserved.

In recognition of her meritorious, commitment and dedication to the Association, the President, Dr. Mrs. Climentina Chinwe Ativie was given a deserving award by the Association.

Lagos State Chairperson Mosaku Ololade receiving the award on behalf of the President, Mrs . Ativie.

Mrs. Ativie representative, the Lagos State Chairperson  Madam Mosaku Omolabake Ololade received the award on her behalf.