While the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control renewed its ban on sachets and tiny PET-bottled alcoholic beverages, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has called for the Federal Government to step in.
MAN cautioned that the numerous, contradictory orders from NAFDAC’s campaign are upsetting companies and causing uncertainty. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the Director-General of MAN, asserted in a statement that NAFDAC has been enforcing the embargo for the past two weeks in contravention of government instructions and legislative resolutions prohibiting the agency from doing so. In addition to denying the government legitimate revenue and preventing low-income adult consumers from purchasing the goods, he said the prohibition might result in an increase in smuggled imports. As a result, MAN urged the federal government to intervene.
Ajayi-Kadir stated that the House of Representatives’ resolution, which was the result of a public hearing and thorough stakeholder discussions, was in conflict with NAFDAC’s renewed enforcement. According to him, NAFDAC relied on a Senate resolution that did not involve the customary stakeholder involvement. Ajayi-Kadir further stated that MAN has subsequently requested additional consultations from the Senate. He cautioned that this has made Operators unsure of which order to follow as a result of the circumstance.
The group contended that the introduction of sachet and PET-bottled alcohol goods was not intended to encourage abuse, but rather to serve adult users with limited purchasing power. Since availability in small portions could also discourage abuse associated with bigger portions, he contended that smaller portions could even aid in reducing excessive intake.
Ajayi-Kadir downplayed worries about the quality of the product, emphasizing that sachet alcohol made locally was certified by NAFDAC and produced in hygienic settings.
Further allegations that sachet alcohol encourages underage drinking were contested by him, who described such allegations as unproven and at odds with empirical data. He revealed that industry participants have made significant investments in ads encouraging responsible consumption and these efforts have reduced underage abuse and strengthened access limits.
A stay on the NAFDAC prohibition has been demanded by interest organizations and the organized private sector in addition to MAN.