The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reiterated its commitment to enforcing the ban on the importation, manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200ml and below.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, emphasised that the ban was implemented for the well-being of Nigerians and to safeguard lives.
Despite protests from distillers and labour unions, who argued that the ban would jeopardise the jobs of approximately 500,000 workers, NAFDAC remains resolute. Christiana Obiazikwor, the Head of Public Relations Office at NAFDAC, clarified that the ban specifically targets alcohol in containers or packaging that can be easily concealed by children, citing concerns over underage access and potential health risks.
Obiazikwor emphasised that the decision was made in collaboration with industry stakeholders, as reflected in an agreement signed in December 2018. She underscored the importance of prioritising public health and safety over economic considerations, particularly in safeguarding children from the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.
However, John Ichue, the Executive Secretary of the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria, contested the ban, stating that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in 2018 was not a formal policy document. Ichue argued that the government should focus on developing a comprehensive national alcohol policy rather than implementing blanket bans, citing potential challenges observed in other countries where similar measures were imposed.
In a separate incident, NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate faced resistance from drug hawkers and touts during a raid on fake, unregistered, and counterfeit drugs at the Area One Motor Park in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The enforcement team, accompanied by mobile policemen, encountered hostility as attackers threw stones and other objects, resulting in the vandalism of NAFDAC vehicles.
Despite the confrontation, NAFDAC officials managed to seize controlled drugs worth approximately N5 million, including Rohypnol, Diazepam, Tramadol, Cocodamol, and aphrodisiacs. Umar Suleiman, Assistant Chief Regulatory Officer at NAFDAC, attributed the attack to the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug activities, emphasising the importance of security measures during enforcement operations.
