Residents of Jalingo, Taraba State, are outraged over the skyrocketing cost of sachet water, which has reached 50 Naira per sachet.
Compared to neighboring states like Adamawa and Gombe, sachet water sells for as low as 20 Naira or two for 50 Naira.
Musa Ahmadu, a concerned citizen, lamented, “It’s unfortunate that the activities of sachet water manufacturers in Jalingo have not been checked or regulated by the state government.” Ahmadu urged the government to establish mechanisms to prevent exploitation, citing the already high cost of living in the state and country.
The people of Jalingo are calling on the state government to investigate water distribution companies and summon the chairman of the sachet water producers’ association for questioning. Residents stress that the government should not allow a few individuals or companies to exploit them.
However, producers blame the price increase on the high cost of petroleum products, which has led to increased material costs.
Nationally, the price of sachet water has been rising steadily, with retailers selling a bag for between N300 and N400, depending on location and temperature.
