Dare Babalola
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has denied claims that it was ordered by the federal government to stop enforcing regulations against sachet alcohol.
NAFDAC announced recently that it had commenced enforcement of the ban on producing and selling alcohol in sachets and PET bottles nationwide.
However, reports emerged on social media on Wednesday claiming the federal government had instructed NAFDAC to halt all actions related to the ban.
In a statement signed by Mojisola Adeyeye, its director-general on Wednesday, the agency described the publication as “false” and “misleading,” adding that it had received no such directive from the Federal Government.
The statement reads, “NAFDAC operates strictly within the ambit of its statutory mandate and in alignment with duly communicated Federal Government policies and directives.
“At no time has the Agency received any formal directive ordering the suspension of its regulatory or enforcement activities in respect of sachet alcohol products.”
The agency reaffirmed its dedication to protecting public health and ensuring regulatory compliance, stating that significant decisions impacting national regulatory actions would be officially announced through proper government channels.
“NAFDAC, therefore, urges members of the public, industry stakeholders, and the media to disregard the false report and to rely only on verified information issued through the Agency’s official platforms and authorised government communication channels.
“The Agency also cautions against the dissemination of unverified information capable of causing unnecessary public anxiety, economic uncertainty, or misinterpretation of government policy.
“NAFDAC remains steadfast in its commitment to public health, economic stability, and national interest,” the statement added.
