IPSAW Warns NAFDAC Policy Could Harm Businesses

The Independent Public Service Account Watch (IPSAW) has expressed alarm over the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) policy to enforce a ban on sachet alcohol, which they argue could cripple businesses, fuel smuggling, and result in significant revenue loss. During a press conference held in Abuja, IPSAW's Executive Director, Amb.

Stephen Eriba, accused NAFDAC's Director General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, of gross incompetence and undermining existing regulatory frameworks. IPSAW claims that the enforcement of this ban contradicts national alcohol policy provisions and violates previous resolutions from the House of Representatives.

They argue that the ban could destabilize the alcohol beverage value chain, threatening thousands of jobs and worsening unemployment. IPSAW also contends that sachet alcohol provides affordable options for low-income adults and should not be removed from the market without empirical evidence.

They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and review the enforcement measures to prevent an economic crisis in the sector.