By Eteteonline
Labor unions, business associations, civil society organizations, employees, and consumer advocates have fiercely opposed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s (NAFDAC) ban on sachet alcoholic drinks, viewing it as a threat to jobs, businesses, and economic stability. NAFDAC maintains that the policy is about safeguarding vulnerable groups and promoting public health. The impasse is still ongoing and, in the absence of communication, may turn into more widespread demonstrations.
After the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) started enforcing a prohibition on alcoholic beverages packed in sachets and small bottles (below 200 ml), protests broke out all over Nigeria, particularly around the agency’s offices. Workers, unions, business associations, civil society organizations, and proponents of consumer rights are all involved in these protests.
The following workers and labor unions are among the protesting stakeholders. Large-scale protests were led by organizations such as the National Union of Food, Beverages, and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB), especially at NAFDAC’s Lagos office.
They caution that the prohibition may result in widespread industrial closures and job losses throughout the alcohol value chain.
The demonstrations are being supported by consumer rights organizations and civil society.
Consumer advocates and other coalitions contend that the ban is insensitive to the economy, anti-people, and a threat to the livelihoods of low-income customers and dealers.
If the policy is not changed, some have vowed to shut down NAFDAC offices and stage statewide protests.
Manufacturers’ and industry associations have denounced the prohibition. The ban has drawn criticism from the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) for upsetting business, endangering investments, and damaging the overall economy.
The prohibition would have a huge effect on employment and the economy. Millions of direct and indirect employment, from industrial workers to distributors and merchants, are at stake, protesters warn.
According to industry associations, the prohibition may cause local investment and economic activity to be disrupted by billions of naira.
Low-income consumers and livelihoods would suffer. Consumers and small-scale dealers contend that they rely on the sale of sachet alcohol for affordable access and revenue.
Opponents argue that licensed items have previously undergone testing and approval, refuting NAFDAC’s assertion that sachet alcohol is dangerous.
They contend that rather than focusing on complete prohibition, enforcement should prioritize regulation and oversight.
According to NAFDAC, which is headed by Director-General Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the prohibition is intended to safeguard public health, particularly by limiting access to alcohol by minors. In the absence of legislative guidance or a change in the law, the agency has reiterated its resolve to carry on with enforcement.
Some Nigerians have held counter-demonstrations in support of NAFDAC’s policy, voicing concerns over alcohol misuse, especially among young people, while numerous groups are opposing the ban.
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