By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Otarapapo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OPCCIMA) has condemned the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over its ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles below 200 millilitres.

According to the chamber, the ban, which affects products regarded in some quarters as an innovative means of reaching low-income adult consumers, should be reviewed holistically in view of the country’s current economic realities.

OPCCIMA noted that organisations across various sectors, including food and beverages, are adopting different strategies to reach consumers amid worsening economic conditions that have pushed many Nigerians below the poverty line.

The chamber further observed that Nigeria is already grappling with a low level of industrial development, particularly among indigenous industries, due to numerous socio-economic challenges.

It described as unfortunate a situation where the few local entrepreneurs striving to remain afloat are being discouraged by an agency established to collaborate with individuals and industries to ensure sustainable economic development.

“No country can survive if its indigenous industries are crippled by draconian policies that only increase the burden on local manufacturers,” the chamber stated.

OPCCIMA warned that the continued implementation of the ban could force many manufacturing companies to lay off workers in the near future, thereby worsening youth unemployment, increasing poverty levels, and reducing aggregate demand.

According to the chamber, such developments would negatively impact inclusive economic growth.

The chamber also expressed concern over what it described as NAFDAC’s disregard for constituted authority, noting that the House of Representatives and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation had reportedly directed that the implementation of the ban be put on hold.

OPCCIMA stressed that respect for constituted authorities and constructive engagement with stakeholders are essential for policy decisions that affect livelihoods and the broader economy.