The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has renewed its appeal to the Federal Government to lift the ban on sachet alcoholic drinks. MAN’s Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, emphasized the importance of ending the ban to safeguard jobs and keep local distilleries operational.
In a statement to The PUNCH, Ajayi-Kadir highlighted the urgency of this issue, stressing that the ban’s removal is crucial to prevent further job losses and support the distilling industry. He stated, “The association’s stance remains unchanged, and we are hopeful that ongoing discussions will lead to the termination of the ban.”
Read also:
- Flood destroys Anambra market goods, billions lost
- First Lady empowers Zamfara market women with N50,000 each
- FG directs Dangote refinery to stick to official market fuel prices
- CAC warns unregistered PoS operators
- Bill Gates warns of economic stagnation in Nigeria
- Nigeria earns N2.7 billion from exports in half-year, NEPC discloses
Contrarily, the Director-General of the National Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Adeyeye, confirmed that the ban is still in effect. During a recent virtual meeting, she reiterated that the ban remains a ministerial directive and will continue until the Health Minister, Prof. Ali Pate, issues a response. This follows a June 15 report where the House Committee on NAFDAC deemed the ban “untimely given the current economic realities.”
Ajayi-Kadir acknowledged the House of Representatives and NAFDAC for their efforts but underscored that MAN has provided scientific evidence demonstrating that the ban is not the best solution for the packaging of alcoholic beverages. He proposed that education, restricted access, and continuous engagement are more effective measures to ensure only adults have access to these products.
Ajayi-Kadir further assured that industry stakeholders are actively addressing health ministry concerns by limiting underage access to sachet alcohol and promoting responsible consumption, akin to practices in other countries. He urged NAFDAC to reconsider the broader implications of the ban on both the industry and its workforce.
“The manufacturers association remains optimistic that ultimately, sound judgment will prevail, benefiting the Nigerian economy,” Ajayi-Kadir concluded.
NAFDAC initially implemented the ban to curb youth drug abuse by restricting the sale and consumption of sachet and PET bottle alcoholic beverages. However, MAN argues that the ban’s negative impact on employment and local businesses necessitates a revaluation.
