The Nationwide Company for Meals and Drug Administration and Management (NAFDAC) has clarified its stance on the nationwide ban on sachet alcohol.
Talking in Abuja on Monday, Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of the FCT Directorate of the company, advised the Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) that the short-term lifting of the ban is just legitimate till December 31, 2025.
He clarified that the current ministerial lifting of the sachet alcohol ban just isn’t everlasting and urged the general public to disregard any misinformation suggesting in any other case.
“There’s a ministerial lifting on the ban on sachet alcohol, however it is just short-term and will likely be reviewed by December 31, 2025.
“After this date, the complete enforcement of the ban will begin.
“The minister granted this short-term aid to permit producers and regulators time to collaborate and guarantee a extra structured and efficient implementation of the ban,” he added.
He highlighted NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to sensitize the general public throughout the nation, noting that consciousness campaigns had reached each state.
“Now we have sensitized distributors, and we’ve emphasised that alcohol shouldn’t be offered to people below the age of 18, which can be clearly indicated on product labels,” he added.
Azikiwe additionally recommended the Distillers and Drinks Affiliation of Nigeria (DIBAN) for supporting the attention drive.
He reassured the general public that NAFDAC remained absolutely dedicated to regulating alcohol consumption and reiterated that sachet alcohol merchandise containing lower than 200 milliliters can be phased out after December 2025.
NAFDAC started implementing the ban on February 1, 2024. The ban covers alcohol offered in sachets or PET bottles smaller than 200ml.
Earlier than enforcement, producers got a five-year moratorium to part out these merchandise.
This settlement was reached in December 2018 and signed by the Distillers and Blenders Affiliation of Nigeria (DIBAN), the Affiliation of Meals, Beverage & Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), the Federal Ministry of Well being, NAFDAC, and the Federal Competitors and Client Safety Fee (FCCPC).
The preliminary ban confronted heavy resistance from trade gamers and different stakeholders who argued that it could have an effect on jobs and livelihoods. Some {groups} additionally claimed the choice lacked correct session and socioeconomic consideration.
