Emmanuel OchayiThe Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has condemned the recent prohibition imposed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on packaging alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-sized bottles.
NECA, the apex body representing employers in Nigeria, characterized the ban as an act of economic sabotage, lamenting its potential detrimental effects on the nation’s economy.
NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, voiced concerns over the ban, stating, “The ban on the production and sale of these products is not only ill-advised but also ill-timed given the current economic situation.”
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Oyerinde emphasized the adverse impact on job creation, enterprise sustainability, and investment loss, particularly in light of prevailing economic challenges and high unemployment rates.
Highlighting the vulnerability of Nigeria’s borders and the risk of promoting smuggling, Oyerinde cautioned against the unintended consequences of the ban.
He warned, “Unscrupulous elements will leverage on this ban to flood the market with dangerous adulterated products.”
While acknowledging the importance of curbing alcohol abuse, Oyerinde underscored the significance of ensuring business viability and poverty reduction. He urged NAFDAC to reconsider the ban, advocating for a collaborative approach involving stakeholders such as the Distillers Association and transportation unions.
NECA’s stance reflects broader concerns within the business community regarding the ban’s implications for employment and economic stability.
As the debate unfolds, calls for dialogue and reconsideration resonate, emphasizing the need for balanced regulatory measures that address public health concerns without undermining economic growth.
