Following the outbreak of coronavirus, hand sanitizer, which happens to be one of the materials to prevent it further spread has become expensive and limited in supply.
However, the Minister of Housing and Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola in a statement today raised questions as to why Ogogoro, a local alcoholic drink, is illicit.
According to Fashola, Ogogoro can be used for hand sanitizer.
Fashola in a statement via Channels TV, however, expressed displeasure that the hand sanitiser being used in Nigeria was made in China when there are available local materials to make one in the country.
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He said sanitizers are made of berries and alcohol and there is a presence of wild berries in Plateau.
Fashola said, “The other component of it is alcohol. So, why is our ogogoro illicit,” he questioned.
While the audience burst into laughter in reaction to his question, Fashola was quick to add that, “this is an important point.
“Why is our ogogoro illicit and Gordon Gin, Rum, Schnapps are not illicit but they contain the same basic component of alcohol?
“Why are our Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and industries not producing these sanitisers for us to use in Nigeria?,” Fashola questioned further.
According to the Minister, these are opportunities for Nigerian industries and manufacturers to embrace and proffer solutions.
