LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The House of Representatives and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have agreed to lift the ban on the sale and consumption of sachet alcoholic beverages.
According to Deputy House Spokesman Philip Agbese, the decision was reached on Friday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, following a probe into the circumstances surrounding the ban.
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The ban, which was imposed by NAFDAC due to concerns over drug abuse among youths, had sparked controversy and economic hardship for manufacturers and related businesses.
The House of Representatives had earlier intervened, on February 7, 2024 directing its committee on NAFDAC to investigate the ban and find a solution that balances public health concerns with economic realities.
This was a sequel to a motion moved on the floor of the Green Chamber by members Paschal Agbodike and Philip Agbese during the plenary session.
The move to lift the ban, according to the lawmakers, is a response to the ongoing economic crunch that has gripped the nation, with the aim of allowing the market to recover and provide much-needed revenue streams.