The Standard Bearers (SB) Islamic Organisation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Thursday, warned that sachet alcohol has contributed to binge drinking among youths in the country.
The warning followed the move by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to enforce the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and bottles below 200ml.
A statement jointly signed by SB’s National Coordinator, Dr Nurudeen AbdulRaheem and the National Secretary, Malam Qaasim Adegbuyi, declared support for NAFDAC to ban sachet alcoholic drinks.
AbdulRaheem observed that sachet alcohol, often sold for as little as ₦100, worsened binge drinking, youth addiction and community insecurity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that binge drinking is the act of consuming multiple alcoholic drinks within two hours, which can cause physical and mental health problems, as well as legal issues.
The coordinator, therefore, described the NAFDAC move as “a necessary public health intervention.”
According to him, cheap, small-volume alcohol has made harmful drinking easy and common among young people and even minors.
He added that “global health data shows that alcohol causes more than three million deaths annually and it is a major driver of road accidents, violence, liver disease and mental health disorders.”
AbdulRaheem, who is also a Physician at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), acknowledged concerns from industry players, but stressed that “public health and the protection of young lives must come first.
“The Islamic ethical values, like many shared societal values, emphasise the protection of life, intellect and family stability.
“We urge NAFDAC and the Federal Government to remain firm while supporting affected businesses with transition plans.
“This is a step toward a safer and healthier Nigeria.”
