Kufre Ekanem,NB's Corporate affairs adviser

Nigerian Breweries, the country’s largest brewer has disclosed that it received a notification of inquiry from the Consumer Protection Council of Nigeria, CPC asking for clarifications over its claims of health benefits of beer drinking. The query from the government agency came shortly after NB ended its public symposium on the health benefits of beer drinking in Lagos ,June. CPC is said to be concerned about the veracity of the claims of health benefits of beer and that such claims may mislead the public and encourage more beer consumption.
But in a press statement issued by NB’s corporate affairs adviser, Kufre Ekanem, it said that
All claims about the health benefits of beer are available in the public domain and denied that NB was encouraging beer drinking. He said that the brewer had always advocated responsible consumption of alcohol and would not encourage delinquent drinkers or alcoholism.
The Beer Symposium organised by NB is in its third year And several speakers at the event spoke about the benefits the human body can derive from beer since it is made from primary cereals such as barley, malt and hops and sorghum. Apparently, CPC worries that such an event would promote beer drinking since consumers are more likely to have a favourable disposition towards beer drinking habit.
The beer brewing industry worldwide have faced such criticism in the past which prompted it to come up with the “Responsible Drinking” campaign, as an industry response. Probably one of the longest campaigns by any FMCGs industry, the “Responsible Drinking” campaign has become somewhat an industry standard. The sign is emblazoned on each bottle or can of beer sold in virtually all countries worldwide, along with another mark which says not to be sold to persons under the age of 18.
The 18+ sign too, has become sometime of an industry standard, as it is displayed at most neighbourhood inns and restaurants globally where alcoholic beverages, especially beers are sold.