WHY WE SUSPENDED BAN ON SACHET ALCOHOLIC DRINKS-MRS REGINA AKUME 21-03-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Chairperson House Committee on the National Agency on Food, Drugs Administration, and Control, NAFDAC, Mrs. Regina George Akume, says the suspension of the ban on the sale of spirits and alcoholic drinks in sachets and pet bottles by the House of Representatives after consideration of Committee’s report was because of the implication of the ban on the nation’s economy.
Mrs Akume in an interactive with journalists in Abuja, explained that the ban runs against the Economic recovery plan of the current administration, given the numerous economic challenges confronting Nigerians.
She said during the Investigative hearing, the Committee summoned all the relevant stakeholders and collected all their submissions on the matter and recommendations were made after delibrations.
The Chairperson House Committee on NAFDAC noted that strengthening regulations, access control and strict enforcement by law enforcement agencies would help prevent children and youths from accessing the alcoholic contents of sachets and pet bottles.
Mrs Akume stressed the need for legislation approach to encourage recycling the materials for the promotion of green economy, noting that it will minimize importation of raw materials used in producing the pet bottles and sachets.
The NAFDAC had imposed ban on the sale of spirits and alcoholic drinks in sachets and pet bottles, according to NAFDAC the Ban was to safeguard the health and welfare of children, youths, and other vulnerable groups.
But the House of Representatives after consideration of its Committee’s report suspended the ban saying it runs counter to the spirit and letter of the 1999 constitution as amended.