House of Representatives, NAFDAC Lift Ban on Sachet Alcoholic Beverages in Nigeria
The House of Representatives and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have agreed to temporarily lift the ban on the sale and consumption of sachet alcoholic beverages in Nigeria.
The ban was initially imposed by NAFDAC due to concerns about drug abuse, particularly among young Nigerians.
The decision to lift the ban was made during a meeting between the House Committee on NAFDAC, led by Hon. Regina Akume, and NAFDAC officials.
The House Committee had previously moved a motion to investigate the reasons behind the ban.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Hon. Philip Agbese revealed that the ban would be lifted until the economy recovers from the current downturn.
He cited the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the five-year moratorium granted by NAFDAC, and other ongoing economic challenges as factors contributing to the decision.
"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," said Agbese.
The House Committee engaged with various stakeholders, including NAFDAC and the organized private sector, to reach the resolution.
The decision to lift the ban was based on the current economic realities and the challenges faced by industry operators in complying with the terms of the ban.
The temporary lifting of the ban on sachet alcoholic beverages marks a significant development in the ongoing debate surrounding their sale and consumption in Nigeria.
