Reps Committee To Investigate Ban On Alcoholic Drinks In Sachets, Small Bottles

The House of Representatives has directed its Committee on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to investigate the reasons for and circumstances surrounding the agency’s ban on the production of beverages in sachets and small bottles in Nigeria.

The lawmakers’ resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Paschal Agbodike and Hon. Philip Agbese at the plenary on Wednesday.

Moving the motion titled “Need to suspend the ban imposed by NAFDAC on the production of beverages in sachets,” Hon. Agbodike stated that Section 4(2) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution, 1999 (as amended), empowers the National Assembly to make laws for the order and good government of the Federation or any part thereof.

He also stated that Sections 88(1) and (2) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution, 1999 (as amended), empower the National Assembly to investigate the activities of any authority charged with enforcing or administering NAFDAC-enacted laws.

He recalled that NAFDAC announced its decision to discontinue the registration of beverages in small sachets and bottles in January 2024, when the Agency’s Director-General informed the public that the agency would ensure that the validity of renewals of already registered products did not exceed January 2024.

The lawmaker expressed concern that the decision to prohibit the registration of beverages in small sachets and bottles violates both the spirit and letter of the Constitution, as well as the current administration’s Economic Recovery Plan.

Agbodike also expressed concern that, given the numerous economic challenges that poor Nigerians face, the ban on the production of the aforementioned beverages will wreak even more havoc and result in job losses for more than half of Nigeria’s workforce.

He stated that the House understands the importance of encouraging the sustainability of Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and that NAFDAC’s policy of prohibiting the production of beverages in small sachets and bottles will be counterproductive.

He also stated that the House is aware that the decision to prohibit the production of beverages in small sachets and bottles will encourage unscrupulous elements to manufacture such drinks and products without the approval of NAFDAC.

Agbodike went on to say that the ban on registering beverages in small sachets and bottles will make life more difficult for Nigerians whose livelihoods depend on the production and sale of such beverages and that in the long run, it will plunge more Nigerians into unemployment and economic hardship, causing them to suffer even more in light of the current subsidy removal regime.

The lawmakers approved the motion, giving the committee four weeks to conduct the investigation and report back for further legislative action.