The House of Representatives Committee on the National Agency on Food, Drugs Administration, and Control (NAFDAC) has decided to suspend the ban on the sale of spirits and alcoholic drinks in sachets and pet bottles until further investigation is conducted.

This decision came after a public hearing in Abuja, where Rep. Regina Akume, the Committee Chairperson, emphasized the importance of proper procedures and access control to prevent children and youths from accessing these alcoholic products.

Rep. Regina Akume stressed that the committee’s primary concern is ensuring the effectiveness of NAFDAC while also considering employment creation and economic growth. She assured that the committee aims to find a balanced approach between NAFDAC’s regulations and the interests of manufacturers, prioritizing public safety, particularly that of children.

NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated that the initial ban was implemented to safeguard the health and well-being of vulnerable groups, including children and youths. She stated that,, “We tried to protect the market, and that was why we agreed to a five-year moratorium for the manufacturers to phase out alcoholic drinks in sachets and pet bottles in December 2018.

Adeyeye expressed disappointment at the mounting resistance from manufacturers despite the agreement reached. She underscored the urgency of the situation, citing the alarming increase in underage alcohol consumption and its potential links to drug abuse.

“The World Health Organisation had a resolution in 2010, in which Nigeria was a co-signer, that each country will have alcohol that is less reachable and less accessible to the youth, and nothing has been done about that until now.

“It is very unfortunate we are where we are now because the children who are used to taking alcohol will also become vulnerable to drug abuse.”

However, Mr. Segun Ajayi Kadilimni, the Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), emphasized the need for collaboration in addressing the issue of underage access to alcohol. He cautioned against the counterproductive effects of a blanket ban, suggesting that it could inadvertently promote the illicit drug market.

Kadilimni stressed the importance of collective efforts to tackle underage access, noting that sachets and pet bottles are intended for adult consumption. He urged cooperation between NAFDAC and manufacturers to find solutions that prioritize public health while preserving market dynamics.

“We have realised that there is a process to get there but banning the product will be counterproductive. This is because you are going to open the market to producers of illicit drugs, and these are people you cannot control.”

“I believe if we work together, we will be able to eradicate underage access. These sachets are not produced for children but for adults, and they have been warned not to consume them.”

The committee adjourned indefinitely, indicating the complexity and sensitivity of the issue at hand, which requires further deliberation and collaboration among stakeholders.