The National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control -NAFDAC says it has resumed enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small-volume PET or glass bottles.
This is made known in a press statement signed by the Director general of the Agency, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye.
According to the statement, the enforcement is in line with a resolution of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Agency and supported by Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The statement says the enforcement is aimed at reducing the harmful use of alcohol, particularly among children, adolescents and young adults.
“This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is designed to safeguard children and young people from easy access to alcohol and long-term consequences of misuse. The health of Nigerians especially the younger population must take priority”, the statement reads.
The statement maintains that the widespread availability, low cost and ease of concealment of alcohol in sachets and small containers have contributed to underage access, misuse and addiction.
It however clarifies that “this action does NOT involve the closure of any alcohol-producing company. The restriction applies strictly to two packaging categories, spirit drinks in sachets and in PET or glass bottles below 200ml”.
Writing and editing by Basirat Memudu
