NAFDAC Temporarily OKs Sale of Sachet, Plastic Bottle Alcohol

NAFDAC relaxes the temporary prohibition on the selling of alcohol in sachet and plastic bottles.

NAFDAC temporarily lifts ban on sale of sachet and plastic bottle alcohol due to economic crisis. The decision follows negotiations with the House of Representatives, with sales allowed until the economy recovers. The move aims to support industry operators and the country's economic situation.

The prohibition on the sale of alcoholic beverages in plastic bottles and sachets has been temporarily repealed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Following lengthy negotiations with the House of Representatives, this decision was made as a reaction to the existing economic crisis.

The declaration was made on Friday, June 14 in Abuja by Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson for the House, who said that sales would go on until the economy improved.

Agbese provided more details on the discussions between NAFDAC representatives and the House Committee, highlighting the ban's temporary suspension.

“During the meeting, we all agreed that, at a certain point in history, it is essential to advance alongside our global counterparts.

“However, we also concurred with NAFDAC that there would be a temporary lifting of the ban until the economy recovers its strength.” he said.

The House had earlier filed a motion to look into the actions that resulted in the sale and usage of sachet alcoholic beverages being prohibited by NAFDAC.

Regina Akume, the chair of the House Committee on NAFDAC, oversaw a comprehensive inquiry and interactions with a range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, representatives of organized business, and NAFDAC staff.

“Resolutions were reached based on submissions from stakeholders, civil society organizations, and other interested parties.

“The recommendations presented to parliament included the view that the ban was untimely given the current economic realities.

“The recommendations presented to parliament included the view that the ban was untimely given the current economic realities.

“The five-year moratorium granted by NAFDAC, the impact of COVID-19, and other ongoing economic challenges have made it difficult for industry operators to comply with the terms.” Agbese explained.

The House Committee's report was fully adopted by the parliament after these discussions.

Agbese reported that there was agreement to halt the ban in the best interests of the country's people and the current economic situation during the last meeting with Mojisola Adeyeye, the leader of NAFDAC.