The Edo State government has started enforcing a ban on sachet alcoholic drinks across the state. The enforcement, which began in Benin metropolis, was carried out by officials of the Edo Consumer Protection Committee. The committee, led by its Chairman, Mr Osaro Iyamu, visited several areas, including Mission Road, Ekiosa, and St. Saviour, to inspect shops and seize prohibited products. This move is part of the state government's efforts to protect consumers, particularly children, from easily accessing alcohol.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had announced a nationwide ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and pet bottles below 200ml in January. The agency also ordered manufacturers of alcoholic beverages below 200ml to recall their products and stop further production. The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, gave the order at a news conference in Lagos. The ban aims to keep fake, adulterated, and potentially harmful products out of circulation.
During the enforcement exercise, some traders at St. Saviour Market resisted the seizure of their products, expressing concerns about the potential losses to their businesses. However, Mr Iyamu urged traders to comply with the ban and avoid actions that could attract sanctions. He emphasized that the enforcement is crucial to protecting consumers and preventing the sale of harmful products.
The Edo Consumer Protection Committee also arrested a wholesale beans trader for allegedly mixing Sniper insecticide with beans to control pests. The committee described this practice as dangerous and warned that the state government would not tolerate the use of insecticides on food meant for human consumption. This incident highlights the importance of consumer protection measures in the state.
The committee assured residents that enforcement of the ban and other consumer protection measures would continue across the state. Residents are urged to report activities that could endanger public health. The state government's efforts aim to prevent the sale of harmful products and protect consumers from potential risks.
The enforcement of the ban on sachet alcoholic drinks is part of a broader effort to regulate the sale of alcoholic beverages in Nigeria. NAFDAC's nationwide ban on sachet and pet bottle alcohol below 200ml aims to reduce the availability of these products, particularly to minors. The agency's efforts have been supported by various stakeholders, including consumer protection committees.
The Edo State government's enforcement of the ban on sachet alcoholic drinks demonstrates its commitment to protecting consumers and promoting public health. The state government's efforts, in collaboration with NAFDAC and other agencies, aim to create a safer environment for residents. The enforcement of the ban will continue across the state, with a focus on educating traders and consumers about the risks associated with sachet alcoholic drinks.
Key points
- The Edo State government has begun enforcing a ban on sachet alcoholic drinks to protect consumers, particularly children, from easily accessing alcohol.
- The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had announced a nationwide ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and pet bottles below 200ml in January.
- The enforcement of the ban aims to keep fake, adulterated, and potentially harmful products out of circulation.
