The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) says it has sealed off three water factories in the Lekki axis for breaching operational and quality standards.

Funke Adepoju, the executive secretary of LASWARCO, told journalists on Tuesday that the facilities were sealed after failure to meet the commission’s operational and approved quality standards.

Adepoju added that one out of four facilities inspected in the area met the approved standards.

She noted that the facilities must operate in a clean environment with functional treatment machines and good packaging, as well as batching to know the date of water production.

Adepoju reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring that water consumed by Lagos residents is safe.

She added that the commission would not hesitate to take action against producers who engage in substandard practices.

Mosaku Omolabake, chairperson of the association of table water producers in Lagos, said the enforcement was not targeted at specific individuals but to ensure that all factories adhered to quality standards.

Omolabake expressed the association’s commitment to upholding ethical standards and protecting public health.

The facilities sealed include H. Life Water, House 3, Road 4, Oguntayo Estate, Eputu, lbeju Lekki; Belwu Water, 1 Alhaji MKO Street Oribawa Phase 2, lbeju Lekki; and Aquadon Water, Mega Tea Road, lbeju Lekki.

Gunmen have reportedly abducted one Chiamaka Obi, a National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) member, along Niger-Onitsha expressway in Niger state.

Obi, who is from Edenta in Okwu Etiti, Orsu LGA of Imo state, was said to have been kidnapped on Monday while returning from Kebbi state after the completion of her youth service.

The corp member was said to have been abducted alongside a family of four, the bus driver and three other passengers.

Reacting to the incident on Tuesday, Uche Agabige, a member of the Imo state house of assembly, said the abductors are demanding for a ”outrageous” ransom for her release.

Agabige expressed concern over Obi’s safety, while urging the Imo state government to launch an investigation into her abduction in order to apprehend the perpetrators.

The lawmaker also called on President Bola Tinubu to address the rising cases of kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria.

“Miss Chiamaka Linda Obi is from Edenta in Okwu Etiti autonomous community in Orsu local government council area where I represent at the State Assembly. She was returning home on Monday after completing her NYSC when she was kidnapped,” Agabige said.

“The kidnappers have demanded an outrageous ransom for her release. So, I call on government to intervene and ensure the victim is freed without being harmed.”

Henry Okoye, the state’s police spokesperson, was not available for comments on the incident as his phone numbers were unreachable as at the time of writing this report.

President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to “enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery”.

In a statement on Monday night, Bayo Onanuga said Sunday Dare, the special adviser on public communication and national orientation, is now the special adviser on media and public communications.

Onanuga added that Daniel Bwala, announced last week as a special adviser on media and public communication, will now function as the special adviser on policy communication.

“These appointments, along with the existing role of special adviser, information and strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the presidency,” the statement reads.

“Instead, all three special advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.

“This approach aims to ensure effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements.”

There had been some confusion as Onanuga, designated as special adviser on communication and strategy, had been the presidential spokesman since the exit of Ngelale Ajuri, who was special adviser on media and publicity.

However, on Monday, Bwala announced himself as the presidential spokesperson.

“Today, I resumed officially as the Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications/Spokesperson (State House). I am happy to have joined a meeting of the robust and fantastic communication team of Mr. President. I love the existing unity among the team and hope we can leverage on that even for more synergy,” he wrote on his X handle.