FG to launch nationwide campaign to en FG to launch nationwide campaign to enforce ban on sachet alcohol
The federal government has announced plans to roll out nationwide enlightenment and orientation campaigns to reinforce the ban on the manufacture, sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small PET bottles.
At a joint press briefing, the heads of the National Orientation Agency, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said easy access to alcohol, particularly in sachets, poses a serious threat to public health, social order and safety.
Findings from a survey on alcohol access conducted by NAFDAC in collaboration with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria revealed concerning statistics. The report showed that 54.3 percent of underage respondents purchase alcohol themselves from various outlets, while 48 percent consume alcohol sold in sachets and PET bottles.
The agencies said their collaboration is aimed at reversing the growing trend of underage access to alcohol.
Speaking at the briefing, the director-general of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, stressed that the government’s decision is not intended to hinder legitimate businesses but to protect children, who are the most vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol.
NAFDAC director-general, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, who presented the survey findings, raised concerns over rising cases of binge drinking, alcohol addiction and other substance-related vices among minors. She called on the National Assembly and relevant ministries to support efforts to protect young people from alcohol-induced harm.
Also speaking, the executive vice chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Tunji Bello, represented by the commission’s director of corporate affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, assured that the FCCPC is committed to addressing the disturbing trend of alcohol distribution.
NAFDAC had first announced plans in December 2018 to ban the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small PET bottles, with enforcement beginning in 2024, as part of efforts to reduce widespread access to alcohol by children.
force ban on sachet alcohol
The federal government has announced plans to roll out nationwide enlightenment and orientation campaigns to reinforce the ban on the manufacture, sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small PET bottles.
At a joint press briefing, the heads of the National Orientation Agency, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said easy access to alcohol, particularly in sachets, poses a serious threat to public health, social order and safety.
Findings from a survey on alcohol access conducted by NAFDAC in collaboration with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria revealed concerning statistics. The report showed that 54.3 percent of underage respondents purchase alcohol themselves from various outlets, while 48 percent consume alcohol sold in sachets and PET bottles.
The agencies said their collaboration is aimed at reversing the growing trend of underage access to alcohol.
Speaking at the briefing, the director-general of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, stressed that the government’s decision is not intended to hinder legitimate businesses but to protect children, who are the most vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol.
NAFDAC director-general, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, who presented the survey findings, raised concerns over rising cases of binge drinking, alcohol addiction and other substance-related vices among minors. She called on the National Assembly and relevant ministries to support efforts to protect young people from alcohol-induced harm.
Also speaking, the executive vice chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Tunji Bello, represented by the commission’s director of corporate affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, assured that the FCCPC is committed to addressing the disturbing trend of alcohol distribution.
NAFDAC had first announced plans in December 2018 to ban the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small PET bottles, with enforcement beginning in 2024, as part of efforts to reduce widespread access to alcohol by children.
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