Members of the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria are planning to stage a peaceful protest following the ban of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET and glass bottles by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
According to VanguardNG, the planned protest is scheduled to take place at the Lagos office of NAFDAC along the Lagos-Oshodi Apapa Expressway, Isolo, today Tuesday.
On Monday, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, announced at a press conference in Abuja that the agency would start enforcing the ban on the importation, manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200 ml and below.
Adeyeye said the agency was collaborating with the National Union of Road Transport Workers to enforce the ban. Adeyeye also announced the commencement of other nationwide enforcement actions to ensure the implementation of the new policy, highlighting the agency’s seriousness in dealing with manufacturers not complying with the ban.
In January 2022, NAFDAC stopped the registration of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-volume PET and glass bottles below 200 ml, following the recommendation of a committee comprising the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and industry representatives. As part of the decision reached, producers agreed to gradually phase out the production of alcohol in sachets and small volumes, with a deadline set for January 31st, 2024.
The D-G stressed NAFDAC’s commitment to implementing regulations to safeguard the health of Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable youth, against the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption.
She also emphasised the negative effects of alcohol consumption, particularly among underage individuals, commercial vehicle drivers, and riders, as highlighted by the World Health Organisation. She also outlined recommendations by the World Health Organisation on actions and strategies for policymakers to effectively curb the abuse of alcohol, which include regulating the marketing and availability of alcoholic beverages.
