The ban on the sale and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small bottles below 200ml, enforced by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), appears to face resistance as the products continue to be sold at major parks and locations in major cities, including Lagos and Abuja. Despite protests from distillers, labor unions, and conflicting statements from stakeholders, NAFDAC has insisted on the ban, citing health concerns, especially regarding underage accessibility. The House of Representatives has also initiated a probe into the circumstances surrounding the ban, emphasizing the economic impact and potential job losses.
Reports from major motor parks in the Federal Capital Territory and prominent locations in Lagos reveal that the ban has not been effectively implemented, with traders continuing to openly display and sell sachet and PET bottle alcohol. NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, affirmed that the ban remains in place, awaiting ministerial directives for the next steps. The ongoing discord underscores the challenges of balancing health considerations with economic implications in regulatory decisions.
