By: Omonigho Mathew
From: Udu
The Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) Delta State Chapter has called on the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to decentralize some of its functions with a view to alleviating the sufferings of its operators and units in various zones.
Speaking on behalf of the Delta State Chapter of the Association at the 6th Annual National Conference held recently at Beeland Hotel, Ovwian in Udu local government area, its President, Captain F.B. Saduwa (Rtd.) said the result of NAFDAC’s recruitment exercise conducted sometime last year has not been felt in the table water industry in Delta State.
Captain F.B. Saduwa said the staff strength of NAFDAC vis-à-vis the number of table water producers in the state is a clear indication that the supervising body is growing in arithmetic progression, adding that the dangers of such slow growth are evident.
Captain F.B. Saduwa also noted that the problem became more compounded when NAFDAC got involved in the regulation of other related industry.
He used the medium to ask NAFDAC to reconsider the duration of approved license for sachet water from the present two years to four years on the ground that the turn around for the renewal is too short. According to him, NAFDAC is grossly understaffed and cannot handle the renewal given the two years period, coupled with the increasing number of operators.
He posited that NAFDAC should review some of the requirements and conditions. A major problem he said, is the qualification of a production manager, which is a Higher National Diploma (HND) noting that the ability of the industry to afford the salary of such personnel are restrictive, given the price inelasticity of table water in Nigeria compared with other products like soft drinks and food seasonings among others.
He also drew attention of the agency to developments that are likely to inhibit the integrity of the body and make the table water industry exposed to quacks.
Captain Saduwa expressed worries over the stability and effectiveness of ATWAP Headquarters, as members neither pay their dues or attend delegate conferences. This he said, calls for a rethink and change in attitude.
The Director General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Dr. Paul .B. Orhii ably represented by the Delta State Unit Head, Mrs. Esther Aborimeh, called on the Association of Table Water Producers, ATWAP, to ensure that all operators are registered with the association as well as establish a self regulation mechanism among its members in order to ensure continuous adherence to ethical standards that will contribute towards the achievement of the water target of the millennium development goals.
The NAFDAC DG also solicited continuous support from ATWAP in its fight against counterfeit and substandard as well as unwholesome food and water.
He opined that the quality of packaged water if improved upon can serve as alternative water provision that could allow contributions from local initiatives in the drive towards achieving the water target of the millennium development goals. He pointed out that this form of drinking water is easy to get due to affordability.
Speaking in the same vein, the National President of ATWAP, Mr. Ubi .I. Ubi, said the association needs the enabling environment to thrive in addition to regular and steady power supply. He declared that the worst hit of all industries in Nigeria are the small scale businesses, with particular reference to water production firms.
According to him, there is need for pipe borne water in the various communities. He pointed out that in most parts of the country, the minimum amount one can spend to sink a domestic bore-hole is not less than N1.5million as most of the roads are in very bad shape.
The theme for this year’s National Conference is “Bridging the Gap in Water and Improving Health Delivery through the provision of portable water” with sub-themes on legal implications, quality control and assurance”.
In a lecture titled, “the legal incidence of fake, adulterated, expired, banned and substandard products in Nigeria and the Right of the consumer to seek redress”. Barr. Tony .O. Ezebuiro revealed that section 243 of CC makes it a criminal offence for any person who sells food or drink or has such in his possession with the intent of selling such food or drink which is rendered unfit for consumption is guilty of a misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for one year. According to him, any person who adulterates any article, food or drink, having knowledge of same being sold will be guilty of a misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for one year.
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