Why FG Banned Production, Consumption of Sachets Alcoholic Drinks

• President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has announced an indefinite suspension of the manufacturing of alcoholic drinks in sachets
• The directive, which was announced by NAFDAC, said the five-year window given to the manufacturers has elapsed
• According to NAFDAC, the size and affordability of the drinks make them accessible to children and make them vulnerable

Legit.ng journalist Bada Yusuf is an accomplished politics and current affairs editor, boasting over seven years of experience in journalism and writing.

FCT, Abuja - President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has announced the ban on alcoholic beverages produced in sachets and pet bottles less than 200ml.

The ban was announced by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

NAFDAC said the period given to the manufacturers to stop producing the sachet and pet bottle drinks has elapsed.

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NAFDAC explains ban on sachet alcoholic drinks

NAFDAC disclosed that the five-year window given to the manufacturers started in 2019 and ended on January 1, 2024, The Nation reported.

The director-general of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, added that the agency had commenced the enforcement of the ban on February 1, 2024.

Speaking on the development in Abuja on Monday, February 5, Adeyeye noted that the ban was not a sudden decision but rather the outcome of a multilateral committee.

The NAFDAC DG added that the committee agreed on a phased approach, with production set to be reduced by 50% by 2020, followed by a complete ban on January 31, 2024.

Why NAFDAC banned sachet alcoholic drinks

Adeyeye noted that the agency did not issue a renewal licence beyond January 2024 to any company producing the drinks in sachets.

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According to her, the agency took the route of wiping out the drinks in such sachets because of the adverse effects on underage children.

She said because the drinks come in pocket-friendly sizes, accessible and affordable, children quickly fell for the packages only to face the consequences in the future.

Tinubu calls Super Eagles ahead of Angola showdown

Legit.ng earlier reported that President Tinubu engaged the Super Eagles players a few hours before their match against the Palancas Negras of Angola.

Addressing the players ahead of the match, President Tinubu gave them his words of encouragement.

The president's engagement with the Super Eagles players came hours after they were tipped by the team's former manager, Gernot Rohr, to defeat Angola.

Source: Legit.ng