Hot weather across Lagos is driving a sharp increase in demand for chilled water and soft drinks, creating brisk business for beverage sellers but leaving residents with higher daily expenses.
Traders in Ikeja, Ogba, Costain, Apongbon, Ebutero and Ajegunle say more customers are buying cold sachet water, bottled water and other beverages to cope with the uncomfortable temperatures.
However, the surge in sales has also exposed challenges facing small businesses, particularly unstable electricity supply, rising fuel expenses and the growing volume of discarded plastic packaging.
Sachet Water Sales Surge in Ikeja
At Computer Village in Ikeja, shop owner Bola Ahmed has experienced a substantial increase in water sales since the hot weather intensified.
According to Ahmed, her daily sachet water sales have climbed from between two and three bags to approximately 15 bags.
Demand for bottled water has also increased, with daily sales rising from about five packs to at least 10.
She explained that sachet water, previously sold at two for ₦50, now goes for three sachets at ₦100.
Ahmed attributed her strong sales partly to her shop’s busy location and reliable electricity supply, which allows her to keep drinks cold throughout the day.
Despite the increased demand, she acknowledged having little information about how customers dispose of the plastic sachets after use.
Restaurants Record Higher Demand for Chilled Water
The situation is similar in Ogba, where restaurant operator John Amah says the heat has opened another income stream for his business.
Amah, who operates around Nationwide in Ogba, explained that customers increasingly request additional chilled water when purchasing meals.
To meet the demand, he has expanded his water supplies and maintained a steady stock of refrigerated drinks.
He also disclosed that a woman regularly collects empty plastic bottles from his restaurant, helping to remove packaging that would otherwise accumulate.
Power Supply Problems Reduce Traders’ Profits
Although beverage sales have improved, some traders say the additional revenue is being consumed by the cost of keeping products cold.
At Ebutero Market, Ngozi Kelvin reported increased purchases of sachet water, soft drinks and other refreshments.
However, unreliable electricity has forced her to purchase ice blocks to preserve drinks at temperatures customers prefer.
Another trader, Chioma Ngozi, said dependence on petrol-powered generators has significantly increased operating expenses.
According to her, higher fuel prices and generator maintenance costs reduce the financial benefits of increased sales.
A trader at the same market, who requested anonymity, reported better results after switching to a solar-powered refrigerator.
The trader said the equipment had reduced running costs and improved earnings, demonstrating how alternative energy can support small businesses facing electricity challenges.
Beverage Sellers in Costain and Apongbon Report Brisk Business
In Costain, Clement Okpara, who sells beverages along Oroku Street, said demand has become so strong that he now replenishes his stock more frequently.
Okpara disclosed that a delivery of 35 packs of bottled water received on Monday had been completely sold by Friday.
Similarly, drink hawker Oluwafunke Ajiyo, who purchases supplies from Apongbon Market, said her daily bottled water sales had increased considerably.
Before the hot weather, Ajiyo typically sold one pack per day. She now sells between three and eight packs, depending on customer demand.
She estimated her profit at approximately ₦400 per pack, indicating that increased sales volume can improve earnings for traders able to manage their expenses.
Lagos Residents Spend More on Drinking Water
For consumers, the weather has brought an additional financial burden as water consumption increases alongside retail prices.
Eminsule Goodness, a Costain resident, said she now purchases more sachet water and cold beverages than usual.
She reported that five bags of sachet water, previously costing ₦1,000, now sell for ₦1,500.
Goodness explained that she tries to reduce waste by reusing suitable water containers and selling surplus plastic materials for recycling.
Civil engineer Francis Anyanwu, who works in Ijora, Apapa, said he and his colleagues have changed their morning routines because of the heat.
Rather than taking their usual coffee, they now prefer cold water and soft drinks.
Anyanwu said a pack of bottled water had increased from ₦1,500 to ₦1,800, although the higher price had not reduced his demand.
In Isheri Osun, Ikotun, resident Chiamaka Aguse said she consumes approximately six sachets of water daily.
At three sachets for ₦100, she spends about ₦200 every day on sachet water.
Aguse also reported that her household waste bin now fills up faster, requiring disposal every three days instead of the previous six.
Rising Water Consumption Raises Plastic Waste Concerns
Beyond household spending, the increased demand for packaged drinking water is drawing attention to plastic waste management in Lagos.
Higher consumption of sachet and bottled water means more disposable packaging entering homes, markets and public spaces.
Some residents have adopted practices intended to limit the environmental impact.
Divine-Favour Johnson, a student at Lagos State University, said she prefers taking water from home in reusable bottles rather than regularly purchasing packaged drinks.
She added that her household separates plastic, paper and organic waste to support recycling.
Other consumers reported reusing containers or selling discarded plastics to collectors.
These practices illustrate how individual waste management choices can help reduce the volume of packaging discarded during periods of increased water consumption.
Heat Creates Business Opportunities but Exposes Wider Challenges
The experiences of Lagos traders and residents reveal the contrasting effects of hot weather on everyday economic activities.
For sellers with reliable electricity or affordable refrigeration, stronger demand for chilled beverages has translated into improved sales.
Others face increasing costs from generators, fuel and ice purchases, limiting their ability to benefit from the surge.
Consumers, meanwhile, are spending more to remain comfortable and hydrated, adding pressure to household budgets.
The situation also highlights the importance of reliable electricity, affordable drinking water and effective plastic waste collection as Lagos residents adjust to hotter conditions.
With chilled beverages becoming an increasingly popular choice, traders and households face the challenge of balancing immediate needs with rising costs and environmental concerns.
