From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Food Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB), yesterday,picketed the headquarters of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to protest the ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets and pet bottles below 200ml.
NAFDAC had placed a ban on the production and sales of alcoholic products in sachets and pet bottles, saying it was to protect minors. The agency also said the alcohol level of pet bottles and sachets was 30 percent, compared to four to eight percent in beer.
Speaking at the protest ground, Jimoh Oyibo, the National President of FOBTOB, described the action as economic sabotage.
Oyibo said it was unjust that the government would take such a drastic decision at this critical time, without taking into account the thousands of businesses and jobs that would be negatively affected.
The union leader warned that if the ban is not lifted, it could result in the government losing revenue, promoting smuggling into the nation, undermining investors confidence, and further depressing the economy.
He also revealed that the union would be marching to the National Assembly afterwards to meet with the lawmakers.
According to him: “FOBTOB is a registered trade union in Nigeria and an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria with a membership of over 8,000.
“A good number of our members work in distilling and blending companies. From available data, more than 500,000 Nigerian workers are in the distilling and blending sector of our economy.
“Our Association considers the NAFDAC action as a wilful and deliberate economic sabotage as the implementation is coming at a time when the economy is on a downward spiral.
“It is instructive to state that workers in these companies pay various forms of taxes to the government at different levels, while the companies in the sector also contribute significantly to the economy through job creation and taxes.
“The sector is a chain from the producer to the major marketers, distributors, and retailers. The impact on the families of millions of Nigerians who are dependent on these workers is indescribable.
“Another effect is that it will promote smuggling as unscrupulous elements will leverage this ban to flood the market with dangerous adulterated products given the porosity of our borders.
“Also, the ban will erode investors’ confidence in our economy. This should not be added to the hydra-headed challenges that our economy is facing already. We can also not overemphasize the effect of this ban on the security of the nation. This is because when people, who ordinarily have their jobs guaranteed are suddenly thrown out of work, they become easily amenable to vices in the quest to make ends meet.
“The ban is ill-timed and ill- advised because the government should rather support businesses to stay afloat in this period of harsh economic environment which has led many companies to close down”.
The union president further noted that the argument that the used sachets litter the environment can be easily addressed if the government invests in and encourages recycling.
“This will support the government’s plan to create jobs, which will in tum result in more revenue for the government in form of company and personal income tax.
“We are of the opinion that NAFDAC should concentrate on working with the relevant government agencies to prevent and confiscate smuggled products that have found their way to the Nigerian market via unguarded entry points. Our Association, FOBTOB, is available to partner with the NAFDAC to regulate the industry and make our products safe for the public.” He stated.
Oyibo, therefore, called for the Immediate reversal of the ban, immediate consultation with stakeholders in the sector and improved campaign on responsible drinking and discouraging underaged alcohol consumption.
He also demanded an effective monitoring of entry points (borders) to reduce smuggling of products into the country as well as recommendation by the Committee on legislation to encourage recycling of materials for the promotion of green economy.