Health and laboratory professionals have raised fresh concerns over the safety of sachet water production in Oke-Ogun zone of Oyo State.

They warned that weak regulatory oversight and poor welfare for laboratory workers are contributing to rising public health risks.

They spoke at the 2026 World Laboratory Day celebration in Iseyin on the theme: ‘Rethinking the Role of Laboratories in Global Health and Development,’ organised by Lab21 Services Limited in collaboration with the Association of Analytical and Calibration Laboratory Directors (AACLD).

The experts, drawn from research, testing, calibration, education and manufacturing laboratories, said gaps in monitoring by key agencies have allowed unsafe practices to thrive, exposing communities in Iseyin and surrounding areas to waterborne diseases.

Participants described sachet water regulation as inconsistent and largely ineffective after initial certification.

The Chief Executive Officer, Lab21 Services Limited, Dr Femi Oyediran, said regulatory checks were too infrequent, allowing some producers to operate for up to two years without reassessment.

“This creates significant public health risks,” he said.

Oyediran linked reported cases of typhoid, contamination and lead poisoning to lapses in enforcement.

He urged agencies such as the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to overhaul inspection systems and enforce stricter compliance.

Stakeholders also identified poor remuneration as a major threat, with chairman of the event, Taslim Owonikoko, warning that low pay is driving skilled professionals abroad, weakening Nigeria’s testing capacity.

“Laboratory services are central to healthcare and manufacturing. When professionals leave, the system becomes vulnerable,” he said.

The stakeholders called for urgent reforms in regulation and welfare, as they cautioned that without action, vulnerable communities might continue to face avoidable health risks. (The Sun)