The prohibition on the sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and plastic bottles has been removed by NAFDAC following discussions with the House of Representatives.
Philip Agbese, the Deputy spokesperson for the House, disclosed in Abuja on Friday that the sales will continue until the economy bounces back from the current downturn.
Agbese made an announcement that the ban would be temporarily lifted after a discussion took place between the House Committee and NAFDAC officials.
“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.”
“There was a motion before the parliament to investigate the activities that led to the ban placed by NAFDAC on the use and sale of sachet beverages in the country. In its wisdom, the parliament delegated the House Committee on NAFDAC, led by Hon. Regina Akume, to investigate the matter and report back. The committee dutifully carried out its legislative function as mandated.
“We engaged with various stakeholders, including NAFDAC and the organized private sector. During our meeting, resolutions were reached based on submissions from stakeholders, civil society organizations, and other interested parties.
“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.”
“After that, the parliament in its wisdom adopted the House Committee Report as a whole. Following the questions we received yesterday (Thursday) after the final meeting we had with the leadership of NAFDAC headed by Prof Mojisola Adeyeye; we all agreed as a government, parliament at one end and the executive in charge of that agency to, in the interest of the masses of our country and the mood of the nation, that the ban be suspended.”
NAFDAC Lifts Ban on Sales of Alcoholic Beverages in Sachets, Plastic Bottles
