The suspension of the enforcement of the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle products by the federal government has received praise from Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).
The government had told NAFDAC that’s playing frontline role in the proposed ban to hold on following the opposition to the proposal by stakeholders in that part of alcoholic beverage industry.
To the Director-General, NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, the directive is a welcome development saying the sachet and PET segment of the alcoholic beverage industry accounts for a significant portion of the estimated N800 billion invested in the sector and supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs in manufacturing, packaging, logistics, wholesale and retail.
He noted the challenge posed by the products with regard its accessibility to minors and the consequent public health issue.
“We fully acknowledge the need to address public health concerns, especially regarding children and young people, but the solutions must be evidence-based and carefully designed so as not to drive activities into the informal and unregulated economy or encourage illicit products.
“We are looking forward to a deepened consultation to enable the protection of jobs, livelihoods and legitimate investments, etc, while also ensuring that public health objectives are effectively and sustainably achieved,” Oyerinde said.
