The Nigerian government has lifted the ban placed on Sachet Drinks across the country.
The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Mr. Philip Agbese announced the ban lift at a media briefing in Abuja.
He said that the lift followed a critical look at the economic implications on the Manufacturers, the dealers and distributors of the products.
He also said that the House Committee on NAFDAC led by Mrs. Regina Akume was mandated to investigate the matter and get back to the House.
“The recommendations presented to parliament included the view that the ban was untimely given the current economic realities. The five-year moratorium granted by NAFDAC, the impact of COVID-19, and other ongoing economic challenges have made it difficult for industry operators to comply with the terms.
“After that, the parliament in its wisdom adopted the House Committee Report as a whole. Following the questions we received yesterday (Thursday) after the final meeting we had with the leadership of NAFDAC headed by Prof Mojisola Adeyeye; we all agreed as a government, parliament at one end and the executive in charge of that agency to, in the interest of the masses of our country and the mood of the nation, that the ban be suspended.”
He explained that the modalities for lifting the ban will be publicly announced by July. He stated, ‘We have agreed to convene in July to finalize the details, with NAFDAC’s Director General expected to have outlined the temporary removal process by then.”
He noted that the investigation was carried out and it held conversations with the organised private sector, civil society organisations and other stakeholders and made recommendations.
“The recommendations presented to parliament included the view that the ban was untimely, given the current economic realities. The five-year moratorium granted by NAFDAC, the impact of COVID-19, and other ongoing economic challenges have made it difficult for industry operators to comply with the terms.”
“After that, the parliament in its wisdom adopted the House Committee Report as a whole. Following the questions we received yesterday (Thursday) after the final meeting we had with the leadership of NAFDAC headed by Prof Mojisola Adeyeye; we all agreed as a government, parliament at one end and the executive in charge of that agency to, in the interest of the masses of our country and the mood of the nation, that the ban be suspended.”
He explained that the modalities for lifting the ban will be publicly announced by July. He stated, “We have agreed to convene in July to finalise the details, with NAFDAC’s Direector General expected to have outlined the temporary removal process by then.” Mr. Agbese said.
He also said that it was observed that the ban was untimely in view of the economic realities in the country.
He however said that although Nigeria commits to global best practices, the attendant job losses in the beverage industry gives cause for concern.
On the health implications of the sachet drinks, Mr. Agbese said that adults who can make their decisions have the right to choose what to drink.
