The House of Representatives and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have agreed to temporarily lift the ban on the sale and consumption of sachet alcoholic beverages in Nigeria. This decision will remain in effect until the country’s economy recovers from its current challenges.
Deputy spokesman for the House, Philip Agbese, announced the resolution, noting that the move was essential given the present economic conditions. “We all agreed at the meeting that at a certain stage in history, we must move on with our counterparts across the globe. Nevertheless, at the moment, we agreed with NAFDAC that there would be a temporary lifting of the ban until the economy regains its strength,” Agbese stated during a briefing at the National Assembly Complex.
NAFDAC had initially banned the production of alcoholic beverages in small sachets and bottles due to rising concerns about drug abuse among young Nigerians. The House of Representatives had mandated its committee on NAFDAC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the ban, following a motion presented by members Paschal Agbodike and Philip Agbese on February 7, 2024.
After a series of meetings between the House Committee and NAFDAC officials, the decision to temporarily lift the ban was reached. Agbese, who represents Ado/Ogbadigbo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency in Benue State, explained the collaborative process that led to the resolution. “We had engagements with stakeholders, including NAFDAC and the organised private sector involved. Resolutions were reached at that meeting based on the submissions made by the stakeholders, civil society organisations, and other interested parties.”
Agbese also highlighted that the ban’s timing was not conducive given the current economic realities and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Part of the recommendations before the parliament was that the ban was not timely given the current economic realities and coupled with the fact that the five-year moratorium granted by NAFDAC to the private sector, the advent of COVID-19 and other economic realities we are facing today did not permit the operators in the industry to comply with their terms,” he said.
This temporary lift is seen as a measure to support economic stability while addressing public health concerns related to alcohol consumption. The House of Representatives and NAFDAC will continue to monitor the situation and reassess the ban as the economic landscape evolves.