ARGPON begins regulation of local gin production

The Association of Raw Gin Producers of Nigeria says it has commenced a high-level internal regulatory process to sanitise the production of local alcoholic drinks.

The association, formally known as Nigeria Distillers Associates, said its activities were in line with Decree No. 54 of 1970 and the Control of Distillation and Spirit Drink Regulation Gazette No. 55, Volume 93 of 2006, all guiding the sales and distribution of raw gin, otherwise known as ogogoro.

In a statement on Wednesday, ARGPON noted that the purpose was to reorient distillers and dealers on the need to embrace best global practices and eliminate unwholesome acts among local distillers and dealers while developing the local industry.

These, it said, became imperative considering the effects unorthodox production and distribution are having on the general health of the consuming public.

It is also to conform with the Federal Government’s concerns that led to the formation of a proposed national policy on alcoholic sales and distributions.

“ARGPON’s efforts are to prepare, educate, and support local raw gin distillers in relation to the incoming Federal Government’s policy on sales/distribution of alcoholic contents in which ARGPON was ably represented at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” the statement partly read.

The statement signed by the ARGPON’s National Chairman, Adebisi Adekanye, and the Board Secretary, Anthony Okoro, disclosed that “the effective internal regulations of all local producers of raw gin have been long overdue because the good intentions of the government in legalising local gin are being defeated.

“It is expected that local producers will embrace modern technologies and improve their production capacity and quality,” it further read.

It added that ARGPON is collaborating with the Federal Industrial Institute of Research to develop modern distilling cones that will increase production output by over 1,000 per cent while it equally ensures finished products are free from metallic sediments associated with the arcade method of using rusty drums in their cooking process.

This, it was said, will also bring about job creation for the locals and ultimately contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

It further read, “In light of the above, ARGPON is therefore embarking on mass capturing of every rural raw gin producer/dealer through their various units in the different regions of the country. Identified centres are being commissioned for easy access and registration by producers and dealers.

“All registered producers/dealers will be issued permits after a holistic review of their production system and products conformity with the approved standard.”

Operators are enjoined to visit ARGPON website or its national secretariat in Lagos as the exercise will fully commence by the first week of February.