The federal government has declared its intention to review the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles that are less than 200mls.

This followed a peaceful protest staged at the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja on Wednesday, February 21, by the members of the Food, Beverage & Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) where they presented their grievances to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate.

At the end of January, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) implemented a ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 20ml, citing the adverse socioeconomic impact of such packaging on the nation’s future.

NAFDAC further stated that the inexpensive and readily available alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles are contributing to the emergence of a generation of addicted children, as the attractive packaging options make it easy for them to indulge in excessive consumption.

However, according to the Ministry’s Director of Information, Patricia Deworitshe in a press statement on Wednesday, to the National President of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Senior Staff Association, Comrade Jomoh Oyibo, expressed the association’s dissatisfaction with the ban imposed on the manufacturing, sales, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets and pet bottles.

Oyibo complained that with the ban, NAFDAC has sealed over 25 companies producing sachet and pet bottled alcoholic drinks with the reason of curbing alcoholic abuse which has affected the entrepreneurs, dependants, and the workforce negatively.

According to him, considering the present economic dynamics in Nigeria, the timing for the ban is not right, he, therefore, appealed to the Ministry for timely intervention to abate what the association is currently undergoing.

However, while addressing the protesters, the Coordinating Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate assured that the Ministry would endeavour to address the grievances of the group.

While appealing to the aggrieved group, the Minister, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Kachallom Daju, promised to look into their complaints to chart a way forward.

Pate reportedly said: “What l am saying now is that we have heard your grievances, this is a listening Government, we are going to discuss with partners, Trade Union Congress and other members on the way forward.” (The Nation)

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