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 allegations of “gross incompetence and abuse of public office.”
The demand follows growing controversy surrounding NAFDAC’s enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products, a policy the group described as “illegal, arbitrary, and economically dangerous.”
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the organisation’s Executive Director, Amb. Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze, criticised the move, arguing that it violates the National Alcohol Policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and contradicts a presidential directive halting disruptions to affected businesses pending the outcome of a joint committee review.
Nwanze further noted that the decision disregards resolutions of the House of Representatives, which had earlier urged NAFDAC to suspend the ban following consultations with stakeholders, describing the policy as anti-people.
He warned that the enforcement could trigger widespread economic disruption, putting thousands of jobs and livelihoods across the alcohol production value chain 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 also rejected claims linking sachet alcohol to increased abuse, arguing that smaller packaging may, in fact, discourage excessive consumption compared to larger bottles. It maintained that such products are manufactured under regulated and hygienic conditions, with certification from relevant authorities, including NAFDAC.
Questioning the basis of the ban, the organisation described allegations of widespread abuse by minors as unsubstantiated and lacking credible empirical evidence. It added that industry stakeholders have invested significantly in campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption and preventing underage access.
While expressing support for efforts to eliminate unsafe products from the market, the group stressed that regulatory actions must be evidence-based rather than sentiment-driven.
It warned that enforcing the ban could lead to unintended consequences, including a surge in illicit and unregulated alcoholic products, increased smuggling, and substantial 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 said.
The group, therefore, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action by removing the NAFDAC DG, insisting that her continued stay in office is no longer in the public interest.
It maintained that reversing the policy and ensuring alignment with existing laws and directives would better promote economic stability and public welfare.