Abuse Of Alcohol Consumption Contributes To 3Million Death In A Year-NAFDAC Boss Laments

The National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC),  has frowned at the recent rate of alcoholic intake by Nigerians, as he affirms that alcohol consumption is responsible for not less than 3Million death in a year.

Prof. Moji Christina who is the Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control showed concern over the rise in sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages through a press statement, noting that alcohol in sachets and small volume glass and Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles are of the increase in circulation within the country.

Prof. Moji in her statement  made available to the pressmen in Abuja on Saturday stated that uncontrolled access and availability of high concentration alcohol in sachet and small volume PET or glass bottles have been put forward as a factor contributing to substance and alcohol abuse in Nigeria with its negative impact on the society.

She further stated that “These concerns relate to negative effects of irresponsible alcohol consumption on public health and on the safety and security of the public, as alcohol is a toxic and psychoactive substance with dependence producing properties.

“NAFDAC with the full support of the Federal Ministry of Health has continued to exercise its regulatory responsibilities by ensuring that all alcoholic beverages and other regulated products approved by the Agency meet set standards of quality, safety and wholesomeness”

Prof. Moji also stressed that the Federal Ministry of Health is concerned about the high incidence of substance and alcohol abuse in the country and NAFDAC, being the competent authority, and working with relevant stakeholders, is increasing efforts to stem this. With regard to alcohol, major stakeholders have been engaged at the highest level and are already sensitized on the issue.

She however urged the general public  to exercise caution in the consumption of alcoholic beverages and avoid unregistered alcoholic products which could have deleterious effects on health. As NAFDAC is committed to preventing easy access to alcohol by young people and other vulnerable and high-risk groups.

The NAFDAC DG, also noted that several interventions jointly agreed upon by major stakeholders are being undertaken and as a first step, no new products in sachet and small volume PET or glass bottles above 30%ABV will be registered by NAFDAC.

Prof. Moji insisted that to reduce availability and curb abuse, producers of alcohol in sachets and small volume PET and glass bottles are to reduce production by 50% of capacity prior to January 2020.

She said that the overall goal of the agency is a complete phase-out of high concentration alcohol in sachet and small PET and glass bottles in line with the agreed roadmap or earlier.