Nigeria News

Buhari govt moves to ban alcohol in sachets, polythene

The Federal Government will soon phase out high concentration of alcohol in sachet and small Polyethylene Terephthalate and glass bottles in the country.

Director-General of the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye indicated this in a statement over the weekend.

She said: “NAFDAC under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Health, once again, wishes to bring to the attention of the general public, concerns relating to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets, small volume glass and PET bottles.

“These concerns relate to negative effects of irresponsible alcohol consumption on public health and on the safety and security of the public, alcohol being a toxic and psychoactive substance with dependence producing properties.

“Uncontrolled access and availability of high concentration alcohol in sachet and small volume PET or glass bottles has been put forward as a factor contributing to substance and alcohol abuse in Nigeria with its negative impact on the society.

“The World Health Organisation reports that alcohol consumption contributes to three million deaths each year globally as well as to the disabilities and poor health of millions of people.

“NAFDAC with full support of the Federal Ministry of Health has continued to exercise its regulatory responsibilities by ensuring that all alcoholic beverages and other regulated products approved by the agency meet set standards of quality, safety and wholesomeness.

“The Federal Ministry of Health is concerned about the high incidence of substance and alcohol abuse in the country and NAFDAC, being the competent authority and working with relevant stakeholders, is increasing efforts to stem this.

“With regard to alcohol, major stakeholders have been engaged at the highest level and are already sensitised to the issue. To this end, several interventions jointly agreed upon by major stakeholders are being undertaken and as a first step, no new products in sachet and small volume PET or glass bottles above 30 per cent ABV will be registered by NAFDAC.

“Furthermore, to reduce availability and curb abuse, effective January 31 2020, producers of alcohol in sachets and small volume PET and glass bottles are to reduce production by 50 per cent of capacity prior to January 2020. The overall goal is a complete phase out of high concentration alcohol in sachets and small PET and glass bottles in line with the agreed roadmap or earlier.”

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

Probe panel: Ortom defeats Benue state govt at appeal court

The Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division, on Thursday set aside the ruling of the Benue…

9 hours ago

Police take action over murder of lawyer Mark Ofikwu in Otukpo

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the tragic killing of prominent Otukpo-based lawyer and…

10 hours ago

BREAKING: Reps reject bill proposing six-year single tenure for president, governors

A bill proposing a six-year single term for the office of the president and state…

11 hours ago

BREAKING: Senate approves Tinubu’s ₦1.77 Trillion loan request to address 2024 Budget deficit

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2b) loan request following a voice…

12 hours ago

Finland arrests Simon Ekpa, four others over terrorism financing

Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, Simon Ekpa, and four others have been arrested in Finland for involvement…

12 hours ago

BREAKING: Biafra: Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, and four other persons have been arrested in Finland over…

12 hours ago