Reps, NAFDAC Resolve To Lift Ban On Sachet Alcoholic Beverages
The House of Representatives has called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to lift the ban placed on the production and sale of sachet alcoholic beverages and 200-ml pet bottles across the country to forestall impending danger.
The decision was taken while considering the report of the House Committee overseeing the activities of NAFDAC, which investigated the ban on the sachet alcoholic drinks.
In a media briefing by the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Reps, Hon Phillip Agbese, he noted that the decision to lift the ban was based on the timing which was inappropriate in view of the prevailing circumstances in the country.
He stated that the economic downturn, high rate of inflation, devastating unemployment, foreign exchange are responsible for such decision.
Hon Agbese further stated that the health-related concerns associated with consuming alcoholic drinks were not the primary reason for NAFDAC’s imposition of the ban.
In his words, “In fact, the concept of health implications is a universal one; for instance, cigarette packets contain warnings about the dangers of smoking, yet individuals still choose to purchase and smoke cigarettes. Therefore, it is imperative that individuals, particularly adults capable of making informed decisions, retain the right to choose what they consume.
Regarding the health implications of consuming sachet drinks in comparison to bottled beverages, the argument appears somewhat hypocritical, he said.
“During the hearings, a session of the population with lower incomes raised concerns about fundamental human rights, harassment, and discrimination. If individuals have the freedom to purchase items like bread with butter at supermarkets, they should similarly be allowed to afford their preferred type of bread”.
Addressing the issue of children consuming sachet drinks, the lawmaker remarked, “If we consider the consumption of ‘Benylin with Codeine’ and other cough syrups by affluent children, these products are readily available in pharmacies and stores without any ban imposed on them.”
As representatives of the people, our duty is to safeguard the interests of the general public. Undoubtedly, the government policy in question was specifically directed towards the less fortunate members of society.
In Nigeria, these products are sought after in both times of mourning and joy. Thus, it is evident that they play a crucial role in our lives, both religiously, economically, and socially. The report said that the ban on sachet alcohol should be replaced with the establishment of licenced liquor stores/outlets in Local Government Areas across the country, making it unlawful to send underage persons to purchase alcoholic beverages.
The report also said the process of enforcement should be tightened, with increased monitoring and compliance checks by NAFDAC, FCCPC, and others to ensure strict product quality in terms of content and safety.
The report further said that producers of sachet alcohol should expose the dangers associated with the abuse of alcohol sachet products by boldly inscribing and enumerating the dangers on the packs, as in the case of tobacco.
According to the resolutions, government regulatory bodies should place more emphasis on regulation, monitoring, and enlightenment campaigns to educate stakeholders and the general public on the dangers of underage consumption of alcohol and its sales in motor parks.
It said an enlightenment campaign should be carried out in secondary schools across the country, as practiced by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to educate students on the dangers and vices associated with the abuse of alcohol.
The lawmakers said parents, religious bodies, and Non -Governmental Organisation (NGOs) should be tasked with counseling their children or wards, especially the underage, on the dangers of alcohol .
In addition, it said regulatory mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure enforcement and compliance; and encourage legislation promoting recycling materials for the green economy and minimising importation of raw materials used in producing pet bottles and sachets to encourage balance of trade.
