Guild of Water Purifiers and Researchers of Nigeria (GOWPARN), a foremost group of water producers in Nigeria, has sought clarification from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on why the group was excluded from the national meeting conveyed by the body on matters affecting the production and sales of water in the country.

A communique signed by the president and secretary of the group, Bassey Christopher and Anrinle Ahmed, at the end of their monthly meeting in Lagos at the weekend, con­demned the alleged non-in­vitation of the association in the meeting conducted by NAFDAC last week.

The group concluded that the non-invitation might be due to omission or oversight, which notwithstanding would need further clarification from the highly reputed national agency, NAFDAC, saddled with the respon­sibility of administering and maintaining hygienic production of food, drugs and allied foods, including water all over the country.

The statement maintained that a virtual meeting was conveyed on Wednesday February 17, 2021, via zoom in Lagos by the NAFDAC Director, Food Safety and Nutrition, Sheriff Olagunju, presided over by the DG NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, where about 412 water producers were invited and filled online attendance form, it was highly surprised that GOWPARN, a statutorily registered, recognised approved body, nationally and internationally, was not invited by NAFDAC. (Daily Independent)