The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s decision to forbid the packaging of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-sized bottles has been referred to as economic sabotage by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, the governing organization for employers in Nigeria.
NECA characterized the prohibition as an effort to further suck manufacturing companies into an economic abyss in a statement released on Thursday.
In a statement, the Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, stated that the prohibition on the manufacture and distribution of these goods is misguided and ill-timed in light of the present economic climate, the unemployment rate, the incapacity of Customs to adequately monitor the borders, and the probable loss of investment by these organizations
“At a time when all economic fundamentals are against organized business with consequential effects on job creation and enterprise sustainability, the ban by NAFDAC will further drag businesses into the precipice and escalate the current unemployment rate in the country,” he stated
“In a country where there are many unguarded entry points, this will also promote smuggling as unscrupulous elements will leverage on this ban to flood the market with dangerous adulterated products.”
NAFDAC declared earlier this week that alcoholic beverages in sachets, pet bottles, and glass bottles with a capacity of less than 200 ml will not be produced, manufactured, distributed, sold, or used in any way this month.
NAFDAC claimed to have fully engaged stakeholders, including distilleries, prior to enforcing its policies.
Nonetheless, the NECA DG emphasized that the alcohol and beverage sector was a major employer and payer of taxes for the government.
While reducing alcohol use in the nation was vital, Oyerinde stated that ensuring the viability of businesses, generating jobs, and lowering household poverty was even more crucial.
In light of this, he demands that the prohibition be reviewed and steps up efforts to stop underage alcohol consumption and commercial drivers.
In order to prevent the unfavorable economic and social effects of the misguided and mistimed ban, Oyerinde urged NAFDAC to revoke the prohibition and promoted additional discussion with pertinent associations, in particular the Distillers Association, the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, among others.
