The House of Representatives has directed its committee on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent ban on the production of alcoholic drinks in sachets and small bottles in Nigeria by the regulatory agency.
News About Nigeria gathered that the decision to probe the ban follows a motion moved on the floor of the House during the plenary session on Wednesday.
In January of this year, NAFDAC announced the prohibition of producing beverages in small sachets and bottles.
The agency cited concerns related to the rising cases of drug abuse in the country, particularly among young Nigerians.
The ban led members Paschal Agbodike and Philip Agbese to present a motion calling for an investigation.
During the debate on the motion, Agbodike pointed out that Section 4(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), grants the National Assembly the authority to make laws for the order and good government of the Federation.
He also highlighted Sections 88(1) and (2) of the Constitution, which empower the National Assembly to conduct investigations into the activities of authorities executing or administering laws, including NAFDAC.
Agbodike argued that NAFDAC’s decision contradicts the constitution and goes against the Economic Recovery Plan of the current administration.
He expressed concern that the ban could have adverse effects on the economy, causing job losses for over 50% of workers in Nigeria, especially in the face of existing economic challenges.
The motion pointed out the need to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the majority of employers in Nigeria, hiring over 84% of the workforce.
Agbodike said that the ban could lead to the proliferation of unregulated beverage production, undermining NAFDAC’s regulatory efforts.
The House suggested a careful analysis of the effects of the ban and the reason behind NAFDAC’s decision by referring the motion to the Committee on NAFDAC for more legislative input.
