Business
Union Seeks NAFDAC Probe Of Fanta, Sprite
The leadership of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tabacco Employees (NUFBTE) has demanded for scientific investigations by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), into the Sprite and Fanta soft drinks produced by the Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC).
A statement obtained at the Union’s Secretariat in Port Harcourt on Wednesday and signed by the union’s National President, Comrade Lateef Oyelekan, said, it is incumbent on NAFDAC to carry out proper scientific investigation to ascertain the level of the chemical contents in both drinks to reassure Nigerians patronizing the NBC’s brands.
Oyelekan, pointed out that, NAFDAC had filed an appeal and a motion stay execution of a judgment on Sprite and Fanta as a way of reassuring Nigerians that final analysis has not been carried out yet on the brand of drinks before the court judgment.
The labour leader called for caution on the reactions of Nigerians to the judgement over consumption of Sprite and Fanta along with vitamin C, stressing that, such negative reaction might impact negatively on workers and to a large extent on NBC as a major investor in the country.
He added that, the negative publicity being given about the firm’s brand of product could endanger its corporate profile and ultimately threaten workers jobs thereby throwing thousand of workers into the labour market at this period of economic recession in the country.
He explained that, NAFDAC had a track record of doing wonderful scientific investigation and could not have faltered in its responsibility in relation to the issue at hand with the lives of Nigerians.
He expressed optimism that, the Agency would ensure that both drugs and foods consumed in the country are safe, adding that, the Agency’s track records speak volume of their effectiveness to discover contaminated products and raised alarm against product consumption by Nigerians.
Oyelekan, emplasized that Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited ought to have notified NBC of the company’s intention to export their products to the United Kingdom bearing in mind that every country has its own standard regarding manufacturing and investment.
The NUFBTE boss called for understanding by Nigerians towards the NBC brand of drinks pending the outcome of scientific investigation and appeal filed by NAFDAC against the judgement.
It would be recalled that, an lgbosere High Court in Lagos recently ordered NAFDAC and NBC Plc to carry a mandatory warning on the company’s Fanta and Sprite products stating that, the contents should not be taken with vitamin C in order to avoid poisoning.
Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited had tried to export Fanta and Sprite bottled in Nigeria to the UK before British authorities seized and destroyed the product for being poisonous by containing excess level of benzoic-acid and sunset additives.
Philip Okparaji
The facility will be disbursed through participating Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), which will in turn extend the loans to their customers, particularly SMEs, as they directly interface with businesses at the grassroots level.
The Executive Director of COMCIN, Mr. Micheal Ogbaa who represented the Chairman, Dr. Iredele Oyedele (FCA, FCCA), said the initiative is designed to strengthen micro-lending institutions and expand access to finance for grassroots entrepreneurs, particularly women and youths in the informal sector.
Ogbaa explained that COMCIN does not lend directly to individuals but works through its network of microfinance and cooperative institutions, which in turn provide loans to end users.
“We came together to advocate for the microfinance ecosystem. Commercial banks often exclude people at the grassroots, but our members are positioned to reach them. This facility will empower them to do more,” he said.
He noted that the loan scheme offers low interest rates and flexible repayment plans, making it more accessible to small business owners.
According to him, about 90 percent of beneficiaries are expected to be women, who play a key role in sustaining families and driving economic activities at the local level.
“Our focus is on traders, service providers, and players in the informal sector. These are the real movers of the economy. By supporting them, we are strengthening families and contributing to national development,” he added.
Ogbaa disclosed that eligible SMEs with proven integrity and business track records could access up to N5 million each through participating micro-lending institutions. The rollout has commenced in Lagos and will extend to Abuja, Enugu, and other regions, including the South-West, South-East, and North-East.
He said 12 micro-lending institutions have already benefited from the scheme, while 85 applications are currently being processed under the pilot phase.
“Our target is to reach at least 100,000 SMEs nationwide. We are building a platform that connects funding partners with credible micro-lending institutions, creating a reliable channel for financial inclusion,” Ogbaa said.
He added that COMCIN is also working to attract larger funding pools from development finance institutions and private investors, noting that successful implementation of the pilot phase would boost confidence and unlock more capital for SMEs.
“We have seen encouraging testimonies from early beneficiaries. As we demonstrate transparency and efficiency, more institutions will be willing to channel funds through us,” he said.
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