Reps Asks NAFDAC To Lift Ban On Production, Sale Of Sachet Alcoholic Drinks
The House of Representatives has requested the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to promptly revoke the prohibition on the production and sale of
sachet of alcoholic drinks and 200 ML pet bottles.
The House stated that the ban should be lifted without delay due to the inappropriate timing, considering the struggling economy, high unemployment rates, escalating inflation, and the
increasing poverty level, coupled with the scarcity of foreign exchange for business operations.
This decision was made following the examination of the report from the House Committee responsible for overseeing NAFDAC’s activities, which thoroughly investigated the ban.
The lower chamber of the National Assembly recommends substituting the prohibition on sachet alcohol with the establishment of licensed liquor stores/outlets in local government areas
throughout the country.
The lawmakers also put forward that it should be made illegal to send individuals below the legal drinking age to purchase alcoholic beverages.
The legislators also emphasized the need for stricter enforcement measures, including enhanced monitoring and compliance checks conducted by NAFDAC, FCCPC, and other relevant agencies to
ensure stringent product quality in terms of content and safety.
As per the resolutions, manufacturers of sachet alcohol must clearly display the risks associated with alcohol abuse on the packaging, similar to the warnings found on tobacco products.
Government regulatory bodies are urged to prioritize regulation, monitoring, and awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders and the public about the hazards of underage alcohol consumption
and its sale in motor parks.
The legislators emphasized the importance of implementing awareness programs in secondary schools nationwide, similar to the initiatives undertaken by the National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency, NDLEA, educates students about the risks and negative consequences of alcohol abuse.
It was further emphasized that parents, religious organizations, and Non-Governmental Organizations, NGOs, should take responsibility for advising their children or wards, particularly minors,
about the hazards of consuming alcohol.
