Distillery workers shut NAFDAC Lagos office over sachet alcohol ban

Members of the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) on Wednesday staged a protest at the Lagos office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), demanding an immediate halt to the enforcement of the sachet alcohol ban.

The workers, mostly employees of distillery companies affected by the restriction, blocked access to the agency’s office and called for the release of products allegedly seized by regulators, as well as the reopening of factories and depots sealed during recent enforcement operations.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters accused NAFDAC of ignoring what they described as clear directives from the Federal Government, particularly from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), to suspend enforcement actions.

They urged NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to comply with what they claimed were instructions to temporarily stop implementing the ban pending further clarification on the National Alcohol Policy.

However, NAFDAC dismissed the claims, stating that it had not received any official directive to suspend enforcement.

The agency described the reports as “unverified information, fake news, and a misrepresentation of government position,” maintaining that its actions fall within its mandate to protect public health and safety.

The dispute follows a statement by the SGF’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, explaining that although the National Alcohol Policy had been approved by the Federal Ministry of Health under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, NAFDAC was advised to avoid sealing factories or warehouses until the policy is fully operational.

Industry stakeholders argue that the continued closure of facilities contradicts that guidance and has caused heavy economic losses, job disruptions, and setbacks in the beverage supply chain.

They warned that prolonged enforcement could worsen hardship for workers and businesses across the sector.

As of the time of filing this report, the protest remained peaceful, though security presence around the NAFDAC office was increased.

Efforts to broker dialogue between the union and the regulatory agency are said to be ongoing.