Abuja, Nigeria – In response to concerns raised by lawmakers, 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 NAFDAC’s ban on the production of beverages in sachets and small bottles in Nigeria.
The resolution was reached following the adoption of a motion titled ‘Need to suspend the ban imposed by NAFDAC on the production of beverages in sachet’, sponsored by Hon. Paschal Agbodike and Hon. Philip Agbese during the Wednesday plenary.
Hon. Agbodike, while moving the motion, highlighted the constitutional authority of the National Assembly to make laws for the order and good government of the Federation. He emphasized that Sections 88(1) and (2) empower the National Assembly to conduct investigations into the activities of agencies like NAFDAC.
He expressed concern that NAFDAC’s decision to halt the registration of beverages in small sachets and bottles contradicts the Constitution and goes against the Economic Recovery Plan of the current administration. Hon. Agbodike further noted potential adverse effects on over 50% of workers in Nigeria, stating that the ban could lead to job losses.
The lawmaker emphasized the importance of encouraging Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and argued that NAFDAC’s policy could be counterproductive in this regard. He also voiced concerns that the ban might drive unscrupulous production without NAFDAC oversight.
Agbodike concluded by stating that the ban on registering beverages in small sachets and bottles would intensify economic hardship for Nigerians, especially in light of the current subsidy removal regime.
The motion was adopted, granting the committee four weeks to conduct the investigation and submit a report for further legislative action.
