The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has linked the indiscriminate consumption of alcohol in Nigeria to rising social problems, including banditry.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made the claim during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday.
Adeyeye said excessive alcohol consumption could contribute to harmful behaviour while posing serious health risks, particularly to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.
She also defended NAFDAC’s restriction on the sale of alcoholic drinks in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml, saying the measure was introduced to protect Nigerians, especially young people.
According to her, the small-sized alcohol products, which were approved decades ago, had become increasingly difficult to control because of widespread misuse and easy access.
Adeyeye acknowledged opposition to the restriction but maintained that the long-term welfare of Nigerian children remained the agency’s priority.
She said NAFDAC moved to enforce the restrictions after concerns about the effects of widespread alcohol access on public health and society.
The NAFDAC chief urged Nigerians to consider the long-term consequences of unchecked alcohol abuse, stressing that its effects could extend beyond individuals to entire communities.
She further warned that excessive alcohol intake could cause serious damage to the liver and kidneys.
