Economic realities prompt House of Representatives and NAFDAC to temporarily suspend ban on alcoholic beverages in pouches

The House of Representatives and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have decided to lift the ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets.

NAFDAC recently banned the production of beverages in small pouches and bottles due to high levels of drug abuse in the country, especially among young Nigerians.

Against this background, MPs Paschal Agbodike and Philip Agbese tabled a motion calling for an investigation into the reasons for the ban.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Agbese said the decision to temporarily lift the ban was taken following a meeting between the House of Representatives committee and NAFDAC officials.

He noted that the decision will remain in force until the economy recovers from the current crisis.

Agbese said: “There was a motion before Parliament to investigate the activities that led to the ban imposed by NAFDAC on the use and sale of beverages in sachets in the country.

“Parliament in its wisdom mandated the House Committee on NAFDAC headed by Regina Akume to investigate the matter and report back. The Committee has dutifully carried out its legislative function as prescribed.

“We spoke to various stakeholders including NAFDAC and the organised private sector. During our meeting, decisions were taken based on suggestions from stakeholders, civil society organisations and other interested parties.

“Among the recommendations presented to Parliament was 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.

“Thereafter, Parliament in its wisdom adopted the report of the committee in its entirety. Following the questions we received yesterday (Thursday) after our last meeting with the leadership of NAFDAC led by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, we all agreed as government, as Parliament on the one hand and as the executive in charge of this agency that the ban be lifted in the interest of the people of our country and the mood of the nation.”

Adedayo Akinwale

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