Rethink ban of alcohol in sachet, traditional ruler begs NAFDAC

Abdulkabir Adeyemi, Olota of Ota in Ogun state, has appealed to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to rethink its ban on alcoholic beverages in sachet and pet bottles below 200ml.

Adeyemi spoke at his palace in Ota on Tuesday while addressing factory workers protesting the ban on the products.

Earlier this month, NAFDAC announced a ban on the production of alcohol in sachets and pet bottles of less than 200ml.

Kazeem Adeniran, NAFDAC assistant chief regulation officer, investigation and enforcement, said the ban was in line with the agreement reached by a tripartite committee set up in 2018 by the federal ministry of health

The workers under the umbrella of distillery unions protested in Ota where a majority of their factories are located.

The protesters marched through major roads in Ota, drawing the attention of passersby and those who patronised the products.

The monarch said the government should reconsider the ban based on the several benefits of the products to the manufacturers and their contribution to the economy.

He said the products could be exported to other countries to generate revenue and employment for the teeming youth.

“I think NAFDAC should have a rethink as these sachets and pet bottles could be exported to West African countries and European countries, which in return would earn revenue for the country,” NAN quoted Adeyemi as saying.

“The regulator can make other laws to protect the health of Nigerians but not to impose a total ban on the products as this would increase the crime rate in Ogun and the country at large.”

Adeyemi assured the workers that he would inform the government about their grievances and pleaded for a review of the ban.