The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has urgently called on the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) to cease spreading misinformation and to support businesses facing mounting challenges.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NECA’s Director-General, Mr. Adewale Oyerinde, warned that the false claims circulating about the closure of factories in Lagos were not only damaging but could harm the already fragile business environment. He described such misinformation as an act of economic sabotage.
The controversy emerged after reports claimed that LASWARCO had sealed several manufacturing company premises in Lagos over accusations of non-compliance with water abstraction levies. Oyerinde expressed concern that these misleading reports could discourage potential investors, instill fear among workers about their job security, and create a negative image of Lagos as a hostile environment for legitimate businesses.
“The false narrative about factory closures in the midst of our struggling economy is incredibly harmful,” said Oyerinde. “It sends the wrong signal to both local and international investors at a time when Nigeria, and particularly Lagos, is grappling with job losses and multinational companies withdrawing operations.”
With businesses already battling one of the toughest economic climates in years, Oyerinde criticized the demand for exorbitant water abstraction levies, which he called “unjustifiable.” He pointed out that companies, already burdened with numerous taxes, should not face additional financial strain for the same activities.
He further emphasized that the government’s responsibility is to provide water for citizens and businesses, a basic service that is currently lacking. “It is unreasonable and punitive for businesses to be taxed for water abstraction when the government has failed to provide sufficient water for their operations,” Oyerinde stated.
Although NECA is not opposed to responsible regulation, Oyerinde made it clear that the association would resist any form of overreach that ignored the harsh realities faced by businesses. He urged LASWARCO and other regulatory bodies to adopt fair and civil approaches to revenue generation, rather than resorting to disruptive actions that could further harm businesses.
In light of the situation, Oyerinde appealed to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and prevent further damage to businesses already struggling in a challenging economic landscape.
The controversy intensified when, on December 24, LASWARCO reportedly sealed the premises of three major companies – Nigerian Bottling Company (Coca-Cola), FrieslandCampina (Peak Milk), and Guinness Nigeria Plc – for allegedly extracting large quantities of groundwater without proper authorization.
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