NAFDAC's Alcohol Ban Criticized for Economic Impact

A group has criticized the leadership of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), specifically under Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, for its recent ban on 200ml sachet alcohol in PET bottles. During a press conference in Abuja, Amb Kingsley Enwelim Nwanz, the group's executive director, argued that the ban violates national alcohol policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and contradicts a presidential directive.

Nwanz noted that the decision disregards a resolution from the House of Representatives, which previously urged NAFDAC to suspend the ban following consultations with stakeholders. The group warned that enforcing this ban could lead to widespread economic disruption, jeopardizing thousands of jobs in the alcohol product value chain.

They emphasized that the ban is insensitive and counterproductive to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's economic reform agenda. The group also rejected claims linking sachet alcohol to increased abuse, asserting that smaller packaging may actually discourage excessive consumption compared to larger bottles.