The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is facing renewed criticism following its decision to intensify enforcement of the Federal Government’s ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets.
The enforcement, aimed at reducing underage access to alcohol and tackling rising alcohol-related health risks, has been met with resistance from some industry operators and lobby groups, who argue the move could trigger job losses and hurt the economy.
But two leading public-health organisations — the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), have declared strong support for NAFDAC, insisting the agency is acting in the national interest.
The groups noted that the long-term social and economic costs of alcohol misuse far outweigh the short-term gains touted by opponents of the ban.
They warned that Nigeria is already grappling with the consequences of harmful consumption, including rising healthcare expenses, reduced productivity, family breakdowns and avoidable deaths.
CAPPA’s Media and Communications Officer, Robert Egbe, said the ban is a necessary step to protect children and prevent further strain on the nation’s health system.
He urged the Federal Government to remain firm in its resolve and called on stakeholders to prioritise public health over profit.
Egbe reiterated the organisations’ commitment to supporting policies that safeguard Nigerians, especially young people, from the dangers of cheap and easily accessible alcohol.