Reps Again Order NAFDAC To Lift Ban On Alcoholic Beverages

The House of Representatives has ordered the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to lift the ban on sachet alcohol, pet bottle.

Hon. Regina Akume, Chairman, House Committee on NAFDAC said this at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

THE WHISTLER recalls that the House had earlier ordered NAFDAC to lift the ban on sachet alcohol and pet bottle drinks.

According to Akume, the ban should be lifted because the timing is inappropriate, the economy is struggling, the unemployment rate is staggering, and the inflation rate is soaring.

She added that the poverty level is on the increase with the paucity of FOREX to do business.

“The ban should be replaced with prescribed regulations and access control such as establishment of licensed liquor stores/outlets in LGAs across the country;

“NAFDAC should make it unlawful to send under aged people to purchase alcoholic beverages, adding that there should be tighter enforcement by law enforcement agencies.” she stated.

She also advocated increased monitoring and compliance checks by NAFDAC, FCCPC, and others to ensure strict product quality in terms of content and safety.

“The legislation approach should be adapted to encourage recycling of the materials for the promotion of the green economy;

“This would go a long way in minimising importation of raw materials used in producing these pet bottles and sachets, thus conserving the Forex.”

It would be recalled that the House had described that the ban runs counter to the spirit and letter of the Constitution and also against the Economic recovery Plan of the current administration.

This according to the house is sequel to the numerous economic challenges confronting poor Nigerians.

The House stated that the ban on the production of the said beverages will render many jobless and increase the economic hardship.