The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria says 500,000 Nigerians risk losing their jobs over the recent ban on alcoholic sachets and pet bottle drinks by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
The Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, disclosed this on Friday during a Channels Television Interview monitored by OsunDailyNG.
OsunDailyNG reports that NAFDAC, barely three days ago, announced the commencement of a ban on sachet and pet bottles, alcoholic drinks, or spirits, citing health reasons.
However, MAN’s President faulted NAFDAC’s decision, noting that the decision would not be helpful.
Ajayi-Kadir said outside of its socio-economic implication on job loss, the ban would further open the floodgate of illicit drinks into the country.
He noted that regulation and control are better alternatives than the ban on alcoholic sachets drinks.
“We never imagined that despite our committee with NAFDAC and other agencies on the matter, a ban would be imposed. We think the ban is not helpful because it will open the floodgate of illicit drinks to enter the market. There are sales of ‘Paraga’. It is not helpful; it has been penny-wise pound foolish. It won’t lead to the achievement of objectives. It means closing the shop of those who make wholesome products as opposed to opening the floodgate of foreign products that we don’t have control over their standard. Regulation would have been better rather than a ban.
“This is not to talk of the social implications of the ban. Everywhere in the country is difficult. The President is battling with how to improve the situation of the citizenry.
“We don’t need people out of jobs; there are 500,000 people we are talking about here.
“The fact is that the people’s health has not been jeopardized; there is no scientific basis for what is being alleged. NAFDAC has not shown any evidence other than the general impression that if children take alcohol, they will suffer illness”, he said.
