Tension flared in Abuja on Wednesday as a coalition, Concerned Citizen for Change, staged a protest warning that the ban on sachet alcohol and small-volume alcoholic products could lead to widespread job losses and economic disruption.
The protesters also 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, accusing her of gross incompetence and abuse of office.
Addressing journalists at the protest ground, the group’s Director, Amb. Kingsley Nwanze, criticised the enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle products, describing the move as “illegal, arbitrary and economically damaging.”
Nwanze alleged that the action contravenes provisions of the national alcohol policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health, as well as a presidential directive aimed at preventing disruption to businesses pending the outcome of stakeholder consultations.
He further noted that the enforcement disregards earlier resolutions of the House of Representatives, which had advised against the ban following a public hearing involving industry stakeholders.
“The decision is capable of triggering civil unrest and undermining ongoing economic reforms. It will harm legitimate businesses, lead to job losses, and create room for illicit and unregulated products to thrive,” he said.
The group argued that sachet and small-volume alcoholic beverages cater largely to low-income consumers and promote controlled consumption, contrary to claims that they encourage abuse, especially among minors.
They added that industry operators had made significant investments in campaigns promoting responsible drinking and restricting underage access, with measurable outcomes.
Nwanze warned that sustaining the ban could reduce government revenue, disrupt the beverage value chain, and encourage the smuggling of substandard products into the country.
He disclosed that the group had petitioned the Senate and expressed confidence that lawmakers would address the issue based on empirical evidence and stakeholder engagement.
The protesters also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by removing the NAFDAC DG, insisting that her continued stay in office was no longer in the public interest.
As of the time of filing this report, NAFDAC had yet to issue an official response.
The protest underscores growing tensions between regulators and industry players over balancing public health concerns with economic realities in Nigeria’s beverage sector.