The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has disclosed that it has stopped the registration of sachet alcohol since February 2024 as part of a campaign to curb its accessibility, especially to young people.
Disclosing this at a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, January, 6. Adeyeye expressed concern over alcohol consumption among teenagers and youths, saying that the sachet size and the cost make it easily accessible, but the impact could be devastating.
She reiterated the agency’s determination to safeguard public health through strict regulatory measures.
Adeyeye said the agency will be focusing on five pillars including strong governance and leadership, maternal newborn and child health, institutionalisation of best practices, safety and quality of regulated products and monitoring of supply chain.
According to her, “A cornerstone of the strategic plan is addressing the agency’s greatest need: an adequately staffed workforce.” Adeyeye noted that despite NAFDAC extensive regulatory responsibilities, the agency is acutely understaffed.
Adeyeye said to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Benchmarking requirements, the agency plans to engage volunteers while awaiting statutory approval for additional hires.
She said the agency required a total of 10,000 workers to effectively oversee the population’s needs but has only 2000 staff nationwide.
