Distillers and Labor Unions Stage Protest Against NAFDAC's Sachet Alcohol Ban
Members of the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria, alongside labor unions, staged a significant protest at the Lagos office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday. The demonstrators demanded an immediate reversal of the policy banning sachet alcoholic drinks, arguing that this move could severely undermine the Federal Government's economic recovery efforts and harm indigenous companies.
Economic Contributions and Job Security at Stake
The protesters, joined by representatives from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), carried placards with messages highlighting their economic concerns. One key inscription emphasized the lack of empirical evidence regarding underage abuse of these drinks. Another urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene to protect local industries and jobs, suggesting that regulatory agencies should prioritize Nigerian interests over external influences.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Comrade Solomon Adebosin, Executive Secretary of the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB), condemned the closure of companies producing sachet alcoholic drinks and PET bottles under 200ml. He described this action as unjustified and detrimental to the economy, noting that the unions have invested heavily in advocacy campaigns to educate young people about the dangers of alcohol and discourage underage drinking.
Disputing NAFDAC's Claims and Highlighting Affordability
Adebosin clarified that sachet alcoholic drinks are primarily designed for affordability by adults, with strict measures in place to prevent access by minors. He stressed that individuals under 18 years old are not permitted to purchase or consume these products. The ban, he warned, could lead to severe economic repercussions, potentially affecting approximately 5.5 million jobs directly and indirectly across various sectors, including:
- Packaging
- Logistics
- Printing
- Distribution
Allegations of External Influence and Broader Implications
Azeez Rasaq, Head of Department for the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Junior Staff Association (FOBTOB), alleged that the ban policy is being influenced by external forces. He called on President Tinubu to address the issue to restore confidence among manufacturers in the distillery industry. Rasaq urged the government to consider the broader implications, arguing that the policy could exacerbate poverty and hardship for workers.
He also rejected claims linking sachet alcohol to road accidents involving truck drivers, stating that such incidents are infrequent and not justifiable grounds for a ban. Comrade Godwin Ahoh, Ogun State Chairman of FOBTOB, echoed these concerns, appealing for urgent intervention to prevent NAFDAC from sealing their offices. He highlighted that indigenous manufacturers have contributed over N2 trillion to the national economy, underscoring the significant financial impact of the ban.
The protest underscores a growing tension between regulatory measures and economic realities, with stakeholders calling for a balanced approach that considers both public health and economic stability.
