Share!
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has temporarily lifted the ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and plastic bottles, according to the House o Representatives.
This decision follows discussions with the House of Representatives in response to the current economic downturn . Deputy spokesman for the House, Philip Agbese, made the announcement on Friday in Abuja, stating that the sales would continue until the economy recovers.
Agbese elaborated on the discussions between the House Committee and NAFDAC officials, emphasizing the temporary nature of the ban’s suspension.
“During the meeting, we all agreed that, at a certain point in history, it is essential to advance alongside our global counterparts. However, we also concurred with NAFDAC that there would be a temporary lifting of the ban until the economy recovers its strength,” he said.
The House had previously initiated a motion to investigate the activities leading to NAFDAC’s ban on the use and sale of sachet alcoholic beverages.
The House Committee on NAFDAC, led by Hon. Regina Akume, conducted a thorough investigation and engaged with various stakeholders, including NAFDAC officials, representatives from the organized private sector, and civil society organizations.
“Resolutions were reached based on submissions from stakeholders, civil society organizations, and other interested parties,” Agbese explained.
“The recommendations presented to parliament included the view that the ban was untimely given the current economic realities. The five-year moratorium granted by NAFDAC, the impact of COVID-19, and other ongoing economic challenges have made it difficult for industry operators to comply with the terms.”
Following these deliberations, the parliament adopted the House Committee’s report in its entirety.
Agbese noted that after the final meeting with NAFDAC leadership, led by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, there was a consensus to suspend the ban in the interest of the nation’s masses and the prevailing economic conditions.
NAFDAC has temporarily lifted its ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and plastic bottles, reversing its earlier decision aimed at addressing health concerns related to excessive alcohol consumption. The ban’s reversal comes after opposition from industry operators, civil society groups, and consumer associations, who argued that it would lead to economic losses, job cuts, and hardships for small-scale retailers and consumers.
