Following public outcry and protests, the House of Representatives has directed its Committee on National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to investigate the recent ban on the production of alcohol in sachets and small bottles.
The move comes after a motion raised by Hon. Paschal Agbodike and co-sponsored by Hon. Philip Agbese during Wednesday’s plenary session.
“The National Assembly has the constitutional mandate to make laws for the good governance of the Federation,” Agbodike argued, referencing the 1999 Constitution. He further cited Articles 88(1) and (2) empowering the House to scrutinize the actions of bodies like NAFDAC.
Recall that there were concerns following an announcement by NAFDAC’s Director-General in January, halting the registration of beverages in small sachets and bottles. Existing registrations were also set to expire in January, raising fears of job losses and economic hardship.
Agbodike expressed doubts about the effectiveness of such ban, particularly its impact on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). He warned of potential black markets emerging and further unemployment for individuals involved in the production and sale of these beverages.
The House therefore instructed the committee to complete its investigation within four weeks and present a report outlining recommendations for further action.
