The House of Representatives Committee on the National Agency on Food, Drugs Administration, and Control (NAFDAC) has decided to suspend the ban on the sale of spirits and alcoholic drinks in sachets and pet bottles pending the outcome of its investigation into the matter. The decision was made after a public hearing on the ban, chaired by Rep. Regina Akume, in Abuja.
Rep. Akume emphasized the need for proper procedures to be followed before imposing such a ban, highlighting the importance of implementing Access Control Procedures to prevent children and youths from accessing alcoholic contents in sachets and pet bottles.
The committee acknowledged its responsibility to ensure the effectiveness of NAFDAC while also promoting economic growth and employment. Rep. Akume assured that the committee would strive to achieve a balance between NAFDAC’s regulatory role and the interests of manufacturers, ensuring that any decision made would not compromise public safety.
Speaking at the hearing, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC, defended the initial ban, stating that it was intended to protect the health and welfare of children, youths, and other vulnerable groups. She mentioned that the ban was initially agreed upon with a five-year moratorium for manufacturers to phase out alcoholic drinks in sachets and pet bottles.
However, Mrs. Adeyeye expressed concern over the mounting campaign from manufacturers against the ban, especially as the expiration of the moratorium approached. She emphasized that NAFDAC’s intention was not to prohibit the production of alcohol but to restrict its availability in sachets and pet bottles to deter children from accessing it easily.
On the other hand, Segun Ajayi Kadilimni, Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), stated that there was no fundamental disagreement between MAN and NAFDAC regarding the ban. He emphasized MAN’s commitment to preventing underage access to alcohol but suggested that a complete ban could lead to the proliferation of illicit drugs.
The committee has adjourned indefinitely, signaling a need for further deliberations on the matter.
Daily Nigerian