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By Merit Ibe
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), has commended the federal government for the immediate suspension of all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle products, pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final policy directive.
Reacting to the directive issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), following concerns raised by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, the Director-General, NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, noted that the decision respects existing National Assembly resolutions and restores regulatory clarity.
Oyerinde also welcomed the OSGF’s clarification that any enforcement action taken by NAFDAC or any other agency without its clearance is invalid and should be disregarded by the public.
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Speaking on the implications of the proposed ban, the NECA director-general stated that the sachet and PET segment of the alcoholic beverage industry accounts for a significant portion of the estimated N800 billion invested in the sector and supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs in manufacturing, packaging, logistics, wholesale and retail. He stressed that, in an economy already struggling with high unemployment and rising business costs, abrupt policy measures that threaten existing jobs and legitimate investments would be counterproductive.
Oyerinde said: “We fully acknowledge the need to address public health concerns, especially regarding children and young people, but the solutions must be evidence-based and carefully designed so as not to drive activities into the informal and unregulated economy or encourage illicit products.
“We are looking forward to a deepened consultation to enable the protection of jobs, livelihoods and legitimate investments, etc, while also ensuring that public health objectives are effectively and sustainably achieved.”
