Protesters storm N’Assembly over sachet alcohol ban
A coalition of civil society groups staged a protest at the National Assembly on Wednesday, opposing the ban of alcoholic beverages in sachets by the National Agency for Food And Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The protesters, under the banner of Coalition Against Economic Saboteurs, carried placards with the inscription, ‘Let The Poor Live.’
They accused the NAFDAC DG, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, of being used by multinationals to destroy small businesses and local production companies. They also called for her immediate suspension from office by the President to avert further damage to the economy.
Ban will worsen unemployment and insecurity
The spokesperson for the coalition, Adam Matazu, said the ban was a direct assault on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable. He said the policy would lead to job losses, business closures, and increased insecurity in the country.
He argued that NAFDAC should focus on the real issues affecting the nation’s health and economic stability, such as the inflow of fake and substandard drugs, rather than targeting a sector that provides employment and income for many Nigerians.
“We view this policy as a direct assault on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, a move that will not only put countless citizens out of work but also exacerbate the existing problems of insecurity and unemployment in our nation,” he said.
“We strongly condemn this ill-thought-out policy, which seems disconnected from the realities faced by the ordinary Nigerian citizens.”
Ban violates consumer rights and choice
Another speaker, Ben Omale, said the ban violated the rights and choices of consumers, who should be free to decide what they want to drink. He said the ban would also create a black market for sachet alcohol, which could pose more health risks to the public.
He urged the government to reconsider the policy and engage with the stakeholders to find a better solution.
“We demand that the government respects the rights and choices of consumers, who should be free to decide what they want to drink, as long as it is legal and safe,” he said.
“We also warn that the ban will create a black market for sachet alcohol, which could pose more health risks to the public, as there will be no regulation or quality control.”
NAFDAC defends ban as public health measure
NAFDAC announced the enforcement of the ban on the importation, manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of alcoholic beverages in a sachet, PET, and glass bottles of 200ml and below on Monday.
The agency said the ban was a public health measure to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol consumption on Nigerians, especially the youth.
The agency said it had given a window period to manufacturers to sell off their existing stock before the ban took effect on February 1. The agency also said it was working with other relevant agencies to enforce the ban and prosecute any violators.
Experts call for dialogue and alternatives
Some experts have called for dialogue and alternatives to the ban, saying that it could have unintended consequences on the economy and society.
Dr. Uche Nwosu, a public health consultant, said the ban could hurt the informal sector, which employs many Nigerians.
He said the ban could also drive some consumers to more harmful substances, such as illicit drugs or adulterated alcohol.
He suggested that the government should adopt a holistic approach to address the problem of alcohol abuse, such as education, taxation, regulation, and rehabilitation.
“The ban could hurt the informal sector, which employs many Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable. It could also drive some consumers to more harmful substances, such as illicit drugs or adulterated alcohol,” he said.
Source: Punch
