• Okays stabilisation fee collection by Shippers’ Council
House of Representatives has ordered the suspension of the ban imposed by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on the sale of sachet alcoholic drinks.
The order followed the adoption of the report of the Mrs Regina Akume-led committee on NAFDAC at the plenary presided by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr Benjamin Kalu.
The House justified its position on the argument that the timing of the ban was inappropriate, given the fact that the economy was struggling, unemployment rate staggering, and inflation rate soaring while the poverty level was on the increase with paucity of forex to do business.
The lawmakers directed that in place of the ban, there should be measures such as establishment of licensed liquor stores/outlets in local councils across the country, making it unlawful to send under aged persons to purchase alcoholic beverages; and tightening enforcements by law enforcement agencies, among others.
The House also directed government regulatory bodies to place more emphasis on regulation, monitoring and enlightenment campaigns to educate stakeholders and the general public on the dangers of underage consumption of alcohol and its sales in motor parks.
MEANWHILE, the House Committee on Shipping Services has said it will ensure the passage of a bill to grant the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) approval to implement the collection of one per cent Trade Freight Stabilisation Fee provided for in the council’s enabling legislation (Act).
The committee said the council, which is a port economic regulator, is expected to contribute funds to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the end of 2024.
The committee stated this, yesterday, during an oversight visit to the headquarters of NSC in Lagos.The Committee’s Chairman, Abdussamad Dasuki, sent the pending important bills for the implementation of relevant laws of the council to be passed for second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives and would be called for public hearing soon. He said the committee would also ensure that the bills of the council and other maritime-related agencies are passed into law by the National Assembly.
