Alcohol fueling banditry crisis – NAFDAC
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She explained that the agency’s decision to restrict the sale of alcoholic drinks in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml was aimed at protecting Nigerians, especially young people.
By Tolulope Oke
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has linked the indiscriminate consumption of alcohol in Nigeria to rising social problems, including banditry.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made the claim during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday.
Adeyeye said excessive alcohol consumption contributes to harmful behaviour and poses serious risks to vital organs, including the kidneys and liver.
She explained that the agency’s decision to restrict the sale of alcoholic drinks in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml was aimed at protecting Nigerians, especially young people.
She acknowledged that the ban generated opposition from some quarters, but insisted that the long-term welfare of Nigerian children remained the priority.
She said alcohol products in small containers, which were initially approved decades ago, had become difficult to control because of widespread misuse.
According to her, the agency moved to enforce restrictions after concerns over the impact of easy access to alcohol on public health and society.
Adeyeye maintained that Nigerians must consider the future consequences of unchecked alcohol abuse, stressing that the substance affects both individuals and communities.
The NAFDAC director-general also warned about the health dangers associated with excessive alcohol intake, particularly damage to the liver and kidneys.