The relentless surge in the cost of living in Nigeria has now seeped into one of life’s most fundamental necessities: water.
The escalating price of sachet water, commonly known as “pure water,” has compelled many Nigerians to rethink their consumption habits, turning to borehole or well water as a more economical option.
Last week Tuesday, the Association of Table Waters Producers of Nigeria issued a striking announcement, signaling that the price of a sachet of pure water could skyrocket to N100 each.
This decision stems from the mounting expenses of production materials, exacerbated by the soaring cost of diesel, erratic power supply, and overall increased production costs.
The association has underscored the harsh reality that ensuring the availability of quality water to consumers now demands substantial investments.
With the cost of living steadily climbing, impacting essentials like rice, beans, and petrol, the uptick in water prices compounds the challenges faced by the average Nigerian household.
Clementina Ativie, the association’s President, addressed the price hike, stating, “Pure water is sold for N50 now, and it is even going up to N100 per one. At our own end, there’s nothing we can do. The cost of production is high.”
She continued, highlighting the significant increase in production material costs and the financial strain on water producers. Ativie emphasized the difficulty in obtaining loans from banks and urged Nigerians to bear with them amidst the challenging circumstances.
As of Monday, March 4th, 2024, a bag of pure water sells for a minimum of N400, while bottled water (75 cl) is priced at N200. However, prices may vary in establishments such as hotels, eateries, gardens, and event venues.
