The current economic situation and hardship in the land are among the factors responsible for the decision of the House of Representatives Committee on National Agency on Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to halt the agency’s action against the sale of spirits and alcoholic drinks in sachets and pet bottles, THISDAY findings have revealed.
The committee, headed by Hon. Regina Akume, on Friday ordered the suspension of the ban imposed by NAFDAC on the sale of spirits and alcoholic drinks in sachets and pet bottles pending the outcome of its investigation on the matter.
In a telephone interview, a member of the committee told THISDAY in confidence that the situation in the country compelled the committee to take the action.
“Our decision was purely based on reality and practicality of what’s obtainable in the land now. We were not blackmailed to take the decision but saw the need for it because Nigeria and Nigerians are entangled in a serious economic quagmire. Already, we have a lot to deal with currently. If over 500,000 workers are thrown away again, then there will be further crisis. Members of our committee sat down and gave all these a serious thought before we took that decision. For now, the status quo remains until we conclude our investigation,” the Lawmaker stated.
The House Committee made this decision after the public hearing on the NAFDAC ban on the 22nd February 2024 at the National Assembly Complex where the House Committee members including the Chairperson, Hon. Regina Akume; the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Idu Obiajulu; the Hon Minister of State for Health, Hon Tunji Alausa; the NAFDAC DG, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye; the DG of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi- Kadir, representatives of the Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employers and Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria; representatives of the spirits and alcoholic drinks producers; officials of the Nigerian Police Force; Customs and Excise; Federal Road Safety Corps; organised labour and civil society were present.
After hearing the NAFDAC DG who stated that the ban was imposed to protect the health and welfare of the children, youths and other vulnerable groups, the House Committee aligned itself with the views of the producers, civil society and organised labour that the unemployment and hardship being occasioned by the closure of factories as a result of the ban far outweighed the health concerns of NAFDAC.
