The decision of the federal government to suspend the ban on alcohol produced in sachets has been welcomed by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).
The Director-General of the group, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, described it as a right step in the right direction because it respects existing National Assembly resolutions and restores regulatory clarity.
Recall that recently, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) ordered the suspension of the policy due to concerns raised by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control.
In a statement, the NECA chief said 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, was good for the industry and the economy.
According to him, 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.
“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,” Mr Oyerinde said.