Trade Union Congress Warns of Catastrophic Job Losses from NAFDAC's Alcohol Sachet Ban
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has issued a stark warning that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control's decision to ban alcohol in sachets could result in the loss of millions of jobs and the collapse of significant investments in the indigenous beverage industry.
Union Accuses NAFDAC Director General of Sinister Agenda
During a protest at the NAFDAC office in Lagos, Comrade Solomon Adebosin, Executive Secretary of the Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Senior Staff Association, made serious allegations against the agency's leadership. The union claims NAFDAC Director General Professor Mojisola Adeyeye is pursuing what they describe as a sinister agenda specifically designed to undermine locally-owned wine and spirit production companies.
Adebosin expressed deep concern that despite intervention from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation requesting a temporary suspension of the ban for proper economic review, NAFDAC has proceeded with enforcement actions. This disregard for economic considerations has raised serious questions about the agency's priorities and decision-making process, according to union representatives.
Economic Impact Figures Revealed
The labor organization presented alarming statistics regarding the potential consequences of the alcohol sachet prohibition:
- Over 5 million direct and indirect jobs are at immediate risk of being eliminated
- Approximately 3 trillion naira in investments within the indigenous beverage sector face potential collapse
- Hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises specializing in sachet alcohol production could face permanent closure
The union emphasized that indigenous producers appear to be disproportionately targeted by this policy, as they represent the majority of businesses engaged in sachet alcohol manufacturing and distribution across Nigeria.
Alternative Solutions Proposed
Comrade Adebosin advocated for what he described as globally accepted and sustainable approaches to addressing concerns about alcohol consumption:
- Implementation of strict access control measures to prevent underage consumption
- Comprehensive public awareness campaigns about responsible drinking practices
- Enhanced regulatory oversight rather than outright prohibition of specific packaging formats
These regulatory alternatives would protect both public health objectives and economic stability, according to the union's position presented during the protest.
Contradiction with Government Economic Agenda
Speaking on behalf of the National Union of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employees, Comrade Azeez Rasaki highlighted what he sees as a fundamental contradiction between NAFDAC's actions and the federal government's stated economic priorities.
The alcohol sachet ban directly undermines key components of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly regarding:
- Job creation initiatives designed to reduce unemployment
- Industrial growth policies supporting manufacturing sectors
- Support programs for local enterprises and indigenous businesses
Rasaki emphasized that this policy appears counterproductive to Nigeria's economic recovery objectives at a time when the government is actively promoting industrial expansion and employment generation across various sectors.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Economy
The union's protest and statements reflect growing concerns about regulatory decisions that may have unintended economic consequences. The alcohol sachet industry represents a significant segment of Nigeria's informal and formal beverage sectors, providing employment opportunities across production, distribution, and retail networks nationwide.
As the debate continues, stakeholders are calling for more balanced approaches that consider both public health concerns and economic realities, particularly regarding policies affecting indigenous industries that contribute substantially to Nigeria's employment landscape and economic diversification efforts.
