From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has resolved to probe the circumstances surrounding the ban on acholic beverage packaged in sachets and small bottles by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The House, which mandated its Committee on NAFDAC to undertake the probe and report back to it within four weeks, also directed the agency to suspend the ban.
This followed the adoption of a motion by Paschal Agbodike and Phillip Agbese, calling for the suspension of the ban on the production of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small bottles.
Agbodike, in his lead debate, stated that the decision to ban the registration of beverages in small sachets and bottles runs counter to the spirit and letter of the Constitution, as well as the economic recovery plan of the current administration.
He expressed concern that owing to numerous economic challenges confronting poor Nigerians, the ban on the production of the beverages will cause would result in job losses for several people, especially those engaged in the business.
Besides, the lawmaker argued that will encourage unscrupulous elements to go about the production of such drinks and products without recourse to NAFDAC.