Food and Beverage Workers Take to the Streets Over Sachet Alcohol Ban

Favour Ojo

Hundreds of workers from the food and beverage industry converged on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Lagos office, protesting the proposed ban on sachet alcohol. The workers, united under the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) and the National Union of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), argue that the ban would put 5.5 million jobs at risk and undermine government directives to suspend enforcement.

The controversy began when NAFDAC announced plans to enforce the ban, citing concerns over underage drinking and substance abuse. However, workers claim that the agency’s stance would have devastating economic consequences, contradicting instructions from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

NAFDAC insists it received no official directive to halt the ban, citing its mandate to protect public health. The Federal Government has since intervened, directing NAFDAC to suspend enforcement, citing economic and security concerns. The government aims to balance public health interests with economic stability and job protection.

The standoff highlights the complex challenges facing Nigeria’s government as it navigates competing interests. With 5.5 million jobs on the line, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the country’s economy and public health.