The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised objections to the recent prohibition imposed by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on spirit drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml.
MAN contends that NAFDAC’s rationale for the ban lacks empirical evidence.
Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the Director-General of MAN, voiced these concerns on Wednesday in Lagos while responding to NAFDAC’s directive. He clarified that while the ban aligns with a 2018 agreement by a tripartite committee under the Federal Ministry of Health, there are doubts regarding the evidence supporting NAFDAC’s decision.
Ajayi-Kadir highlighted that stakeholders, including the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), expressed reservations about the ban in a letter dated November 6, 2018. The letter questioned the correlation between small-sized alcohol packaging and an alleged increase in hard drug usage, emphasizing the lack of scientific backing for such claims.
He stressed the importance of moderation in alcohol consumption and warned against implementing policies without empirical support, as it could adversely affect industry operators and the economy.
Ajayi-Kadir urged for government support through enhanced regulations and access controls rather than imposing a ban, proposing the establishment of licensed liquor outlets by local government councils nationwide.
Meanwhile, NAFDAC’s enforcement of the ban has sparked protests from producers, prompting the House of Representatives to announce plans for an investigation into NAFDAC’s decision.
