The Home of Representatives on Wednesday referred to as on the Nationwide Company for Meals and Drug Administration and Management to stick to its decision and carry the ban on alcoholic drinks in sachets and PET bottles.
The Chairman of the Home Committee on NAFDAC, Mrs. Regina Akume, made the cost at a press convention in Abuja on Wednesday.
On March 14, 2024, the Home of Representatives had requested NAFDAC to carry the ban on the manufacturing of alcohol in luggage and PET bottles of lower than 200 ml.
The Home of Representatives decision adopted agitations and protests by distillers, who mentioned the ban would deprive 500,000 staff of their jobs and break investments of N800 billion.
Akume mentioned on the press convention on Wednesday that the ban got here on the flawed time, given the financial scenario within the nation.
“The economic system is struggling; the unemployment price is staggering and the inflation price is hovering. Poverty ranges are rising and there’s a scarcity of overseas trade to do enterprise,” Akume mentioned.
The All Progressives Congress lawmaker mentioned in lieu of the ban, NAFDAC ought to implement rules and entry management such because the institution of licensed liquor outlets/shops in native authorities areas throughout the nation.
“NAFDAC ought to make it unlawful to ship minors to buy alcoholic drinks,” she mentioned.
She additionally referred to as for elevated supervision and compliance checks by NAFDAC to make sure strict product high quality by way of content material and security.
She additionally referred to as for recycling of used supplies to advertise the inexperienced economic system.
This, she mentioned, would reduce the import of uncooked supplies used within the manufacturing of those PET bottles and pouches, thereby preserving overseas trade.
The Home of Representatives a couple of weeks in the past described the ban as a step opposite to the spirit and letters of the Structure and the financial restoration plan of the President Bola Tinubu-led authorities.
