No fewer than 1,000 civil society organisations on Wednesday staged a coordinated protest in Abuja, demanding the immediate removal of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, over the enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic beverages.
The protest, led by the Coalition for Unemployed People in Nigeria (CUPN) and supported by various youth groups, market associations, and small-scale business advocates, accused the NAFDAC boss of implementing what they described as a “reckless and economically disruptive” policy without adequate consultation or consideration of its broader implications.
Addressing journalists at the protest ground in Abuja, CUPN leader, Comrade Korede Omoniyi, alleged that the enforcement of the ban reflects “gross incompetence, abuse of public office, and disregard for due process.”
According to him, the decision to enforce the prohibition on sachet and small PET alcohol products contradicts existing regulatory frameworks and undermines ongoing economic recovery efforts of the Federal Government.
Alleged Disregard for Due Process
Omoniyi claimed that the directive runs contrary to provisions of the National Alcohol Policy endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Health, which he said remains operational and binding.
He further alleged that there had been prior directives advising regulatory caution pending the outcome of consultations by a joint review committee. The coalition argued that proceeding with enforcement despite these developments demonstrates insensitivity to democratic processes and stakeholder engagement.
“The enforcement is authoritarian and high-handed. It ignores economic realities and dismisses the voices of thousands of Nigerians whose livelihoods depend on this value chain,” Omoniyi stated.
The coalition also referenced a resolution of the House of Representatives dated March 14, 2024, which reportedly advised against the immediate implementation of the ban following public hearings and engagements with stakeholders. According to the group, lawmakers had raised concerns about the socio-economic implications of the policy.
The protesting organisations warned that the ban could trigger massive job losses across manufacturing, distribution, retail, and logistics sectors.
They argued that sachet and small PET alcoholic beverages were introduced to meet the purchasing power of low-income adult consumers and to ensure affordability while maintaining regulatory oversight.
“Thousands of small and medium-scale enterprises are on the brink of collapse. The ripple effects of this decision could worsen unemployment and reduce government revenue at a critical time,” Omoniyi said.
The coalition maintained that the policy, if sustained, may fuel the proliferation of illicit and unregulated alcohol products, thereby posing greater public health risks.
According to the group, regulated sachet alcohol products are manufactured under hygienic conditions and certified by NAFDAC, with compliance checks regularly conducted to ensure safety standards.
The civil society groups dismissed claims that sachet packaging significantly contributes to underage drinking and alcohol abuse, insisting that there is insufficient empirical evidence to support such assertions.
They noted that industry players have reportedly invested substantial resources in nationwide campaigns promoting responsible drinking and discouraging sales to minors.
While reiterating support for strict measures against adulterated and unsafe alcoholic beverages, the coalition emphasized that regulatory actions must be evidence-based, transparent, and economically balanced.
“We are not against regulation. We are against policies that are ill-timed, socially explosive, and capable of destabilizing an already fragile economy,” Omoniyi stressed.
The coalition disclosed that it has formally petitioned the Senate, urging lawmakers to intervene and conduct a broader, more inclusive review of the matter.
Members expressed confidence that the upper legislative chamber would re-examine the policy’s implications and ensure that all stakeholders are fairly represented in deliberations.
They further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene urgently and relieve Prof. Adeyeye of her duties, arguing that her continued stay in office is “no longer in the national interest.”
“We urge Mr. President to act decisively to safeguard jobs, protect livelihoods, and preserve economic stability,” Omoniyi declared.
As of the time of filing this report, NAFDAC had not issued an official response to the protest.
