Reps and NAFDAC permit sale of small sachet alcoholic drinks in Nigeria

June 15th, 2024

AFRICA NEWS

By Oyenike

Reps and NAFDAC permit sale of small sachet alcoholic drinks in Nigeria

The Nigeria House of Representatives and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC have agreed to lift the ban on sachet alcoholic drinks in Nigeria once the economy improves. The ban was initially put in place due to concerns about drug abuse, particularly among young Nigerians. Following a motion in the House, the committee on NAFDAC was tasked with investigating the ban. After discussions between the House Committee and NAFDAC, it was decided to temporarily lift the ban until economic conditions stabilise.

Banned under 200ml alcohol sachets

During the meeting, stakeholders, including NAFDAC and private sector representatives, were consulted. The decision to lift the ban temporarily was based on the economic challenges faced by the industry, exacerbated by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic. The parliament recognised that the ban was not well-timed given the economic realities and the difficulties faced by industry players in meeting the requirements set by NAFDAC.

Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesman for the House, highlighted the need to align with global practices while considering the local economic situation. The resolution to lift the ban temporarily reflects a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders and civil society organisations. It was acknowledged that the industry needed time to comply with regulations, especially considering the challenges posed by the pandemic and economic conditions.

Hon. Chief Philip Agbese

The decision to lift the ban on sachet alcoholic beverages is seen as a step towards balancing public health concerns with economic considerations. By involving stakeholders and considering the challenges faced by the industry, the House of Representatives aims to navigate the issue of alcohol regulation in a way that supports both economic recovery and public health initiatives.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command Nigeria has taken proactive measures ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration by deploying resources across the nation’s capital. The command has assigned explosive ordinance device experts and personnel to various prayer grounds, recreational centres, and event venues. This action follows the declaration of Monday and Tuesday as public holidays for the celebration by the Federal Government.

In a statement, the FCT Police command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, highlighted that raids would be conducted on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings, and shanties to ensure peace in the FCT before, during, and after the festivities. The deployment of resources aims to create a peaceful and secure environment for residents during the celebration through measures such as visibility policing, stop and search, vehicular and foot patrols.

FCT Police command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh

She also mentioned the establishment of diversion points for road users near Eid grounds, including locations like the Eid ground by Airport Interchange to Games Village and Jabi by Airport Road into the main city. The Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, emphasised the importance of cooperation from residents to ensure the safety of the populace during the festive period.

As Muslim faithfuls in the FCT come together for the celebration, they are encouraged to embrace the values of the occasion. The efforts of the FCT Police Command are focused on maintaining peace and security throughout the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the community.

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Nigeria federal government takes action against illegal miners

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development Nigeria plans to revoke titles of land units explored by illegal miners after a mine collapse in Niger State claimed three lives. In a statement signed by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, the collapsed mine was under Exploration Licence 43113 of Jurassic Mines Limited in Adunu Village.

The Ministry received reports of the incident and found that the miners were operating illegally. Efforts are ongoing to rescue miners trapped in another collapsed mine in Shiroro, Niger State.

Rescue miners trapped in another collapsed mine in Shiroro, Niger State

The Ministry clarified that an exploration license is for confirming site suitability, not for mining. The owners of licensed land units mined by illegal miners will lose their titles. The Ministry promptly responded to the accident, confirming the deaths and stopping work at the site. The owners of the company claimed ignorance of the happenings and were summoned for questioning.

The latest mine collapse occurred at an illegal gold mining site in Bazakwoi, Adunu Community, Paikoro Local Government Area, resulting in three deaths. The State Ministry of Mineral Resources is working on rescue efforts and expressed disappointment at the lack of assistance from multinational rescue firms. The Ministry pledges to provide updates as the situation unfolds. This incident follows a previous collapse that swallowed over 50 miners in Shiroro, Niger State.

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is taking action against illegal mining activities following mine collapses in Niger State. The Ministry is investigating the incidents, revoking titles of land units mined illegally, and coordinating rescue efforts for trapped miners. The focus is on ensuring safety and regulating mining practices to prevent further tragedies in the region.

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National assembly considers seizing local governments’ funds in defaulting states over minimum wage issue in Nigeria

The Nigeria National Assembly is serious about making sure everyone follows the new minimum wage bill. They want states, local governments, and businesses to comply. There’s talk that they might take action against those who don’t obey, like seizing allocations.

The Nigeria National Assembly

The Senate plans to pass the Wage Award Bill quickly once they receive it from President Bola Tinubu after the Sallah break on July 2, this was made known by the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu.

President Tinubu is set to send the bill to the National Assembly as promised in his Democracy Day speech. The minimum wage issue has caused tension between the government, labour unions, and business groups. The unions are pushing for N250,000, while the government and businesses are suggesting N62,000. State governors are saying they can’t go beyond N60,000.

Labour unions are not happy with the proposed wages, calling them a “starvation wage.” They are standing firm against the N62,000 offer and even a N100,000 suggestion. It’s becoming a bit of a standoff between the parties involved, each having different views on what the minimum wage should be.

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The Nigeria Police force calls for investigation of recruitment list

The Nigeria Police Force is really concerned about the irregularities and alleged corruption surrounding the recent release of successful candidates’ names in the ongoing 2022/23 Police Constables Recruitment Exercise. They’ve been flooded with complaints and accusations of corruption regarding the discrepancies that affected the exercise, especially the disappearance of names of screened candidates who made it to the final stage.

After examining the list on the Police Service Commission PSC portal, it was uncovered that:

i) Some names listed as successful candidates didn’t even apply or participate in the recruitment process.

ii) The published list includes names of candidates who failed either the Computer Based Test (CBT), the physical screening, or both.

iii) Individuals who reached the final stage but were disqualified due to medical unfitness still appeared on the list of successful candidates published by the PSC.

iv) The most troubling part is the allegation of financial misconduct and corrupt practices resulting in unqualified and untrainable individuals being shortlisted.

The Inspector General of Police, on June 10, 2024, objected to the list in a letter to the Commission Chairman, highlighting the aforementioned discoveries. The IGP’s response doesn’t challenge the Commission’s authority to recruit for the police as affirmed by the Supreme Court, but emphasises that this authority doesn’t extend to hiring unqualified and untrained individuals.

Supreme Court Nigeria

The police end up dealing with the consequences of recruiting unqualified individuals, not the PSC. Those who haphazardly recruit for the police today may blame the police for inefficiency tomorrow when their recruits cause problems. The Police has distanced itself from the published list and is calling for a transparent and credible review to address the situation.

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