Lagos: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it will continue enforcing the ban on sachet and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic drinks.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, spoke to journalists on Friday after manufacturers and union members protested at the agency’s Lagos office.
The protesters carried placards urging the Federal Government to stop NAFDAC’s ongoing enforcement of the ban on sachet and small-sized alcoholic beverages.
Adeyeye said the enforcement was lawful, stressing that only legislative change could compel the agency to halt its actions.
She said reasons advanced by the protesters would not deter the agency from carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
“We made it clear that our enforcement is mandated by law and will continue unless directed otherwise by legislation.
“The legislature makes the laws and directs us to regulate manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, and use of alcohol.
“So, if the law changes and says we should not regulate alcohol, we will stop. Only the law can stop us from doing our duties,” she said.
Adeyeye said the ban aligned with global health standards and Sustainable Development Goal 3.5, which aims to reduce harmful alcohol consumption.
She said manufacturers were given a five-year moratorium, with an additional one-year extension, to adjust production and business plans.
The Director-General warned that easy access to alcohol by children could lead to substance abuse, impaired brain development, behavioral problems, and increased risk of addiction.
She added that excessive alcohol consumption by adults could cause liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, increased risk of cancer, and impaired judgment, leading to accidents.
Adeyeye urged parents to monitor their children and called on community and religious leaders to support NAFDAC’s public health campaign.
“No Nigerian has the right to make money at the expense of another person’s health. Our commitment to protecting public health is unwavering, and we remain steadfast in prioritizing the well-being of all Nigerians above commercial interests.”
