The Centre for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa has called for the immediate removal of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, over what it described as “gross incompetence and abuse of public office.”
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the group’s Executive Director, Amb. Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze, strongly criticised NAFDAC’s enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products, describing the move as “illegal, arbitrary, and economically dangerous.”
The group argued that the enforcement violates the existing National Alcohol Policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and contradicts a presidential directive restraining the agency from disrupting affected businesses pending the outcome of a joint committee review.
According to Nwanze, the decision also disregards resolutions of the House of Representatives, which had earlier asked NAFDAC to halt the ban after consultations with stakeholders, describing the policy as anti-people.
He warned that the action could trigger widespread economic disruption and social unrest, noting that thousands of jobs and livelihoods across the alcohol production value chain are at risk.
“The timing of this policy is not only insensitive but also counterproductive to the economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It threatens businesses, undermines investor confidence, and paints the government in a negative light,” he said.
The group further dismissed claims that sachet alcohol promotes abuse, arguing instead that smaller packaging discourages excessive consumption compared to larger bottles. It added that products in the category are produced under regulated and hygienic conditions, with certification from relevant authorities, including NAFDAC.
It also questioned the basis of the ban, describing claims of widespread abuse by minors as “unsubstantiated and unsupported by credible empirical evidence.” The group noted that industry players have invested heavily in campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption and restricting underage access.
While expressing support for policies aimed at eliminating unsafe products from the market, the organisation insisted that such measures must be evidence-based and not driven by sentiment.
The group further warned that enforcing the ban could lead to unintended consequences, including the proliferation of illicit and unregulated alcoholic products, increased smuggling, and significant revenue losses for the government.
“This decision will open the floodgates for substandard products, weaken regulatory control, and deny the government critical revenue streams, while also limiting consumer choice, particularly for low-income earners,” Nwanze stated.
He, therefore, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “wield the big stick” by removing the NAFDAC DG without delay, insisting that her continued stay in office is no longer in the public interest.
The group maintained that reversing the policy and ensuring regulatory alignment with existing laws and directives would better serve both economic stability and public welfare.