…As Committee Chairman leads statewide crackdown on banned alcoholic drinks
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State Consumer Protection Committee (CPC) will on Tuesday 22nd, commence full-scale enforcement of the ban on 200ml and sachet alcoholic drinks across the State.
The exercise will be led by the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Osaro Culture Iyamu.
The enforcement follows the Federal Government’s directive and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) ban on the production, distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles below 200ml.
NAFDAC and the Federal Government had raised alarm over the increasing rate of alcohol abuse among underage children, commercial drivers, and youths, largely driven by the easy accessibility and affordability of sachet alcohol.
Addressing journalists in Benin ahead of the enforcement, Mr. Iyamu said the Committee has concluded all arrangements for a “statewide sweep”.
According to Iyamu, “The grace period is over. From 22nd, our enforcement teams will move into markets, supermarkets, street shops, motor parks, and warehouses to seize banned products and seal non-compliant outlets. This is about protecting our children and safeguarding public health.”
He said the enforcement teams will comprise members of the Edo CPC, security agencies, NAFDAC officials, NGOs and journalists.
Products to be seized include:
– Alcoholic drinks in sachets
– Alcoholic drinks in PET bottles and glass bottles below 200ml
– Any other unregistered or counterfeit alcoholic beverages
Shop owners and distributors still stocking the banned products have been advised to voluntarily withdraw them before enforcement hits.
Mr. Iyamu said the exercise is in line with the “SHINE Agenda” of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, which prioritizes health, safety and consumer rights protection.
He warned that anyone found obstructing the enforcement will be arrested and prosecuted.
The Committee urged Edo residents to support the exercise by reporting shops still selling the banned products to: Edo State Consumer Protection Committee, EDPA Building, 4th Floor, by Jara Supermarket,
Sakponba Road/3rd Junction, Benin City.
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