Nigeria Unions Allege 500,000 Jobs at Risk as NAFDAC's Ban on Alcohol Sachets Triggers Nationwide Protests

Members of the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria voiced their grievances on Tuesday, staging a protest at the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) office in Lagos over the ban on sachet and PET bottles of alcoholic beverages.

In a joint statement, the Food Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association and the National Union of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employees expressed concern, asserting that the ban has already cost over 500,000 jobs, with potential repercussions for the Nigerian economy.

The distillers argue that the new policy may lead to the shutdown of industries producing these products. NAFDAC's Director General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, announced the ban's enforcement, citing recommendations from various entities, including the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria.

The distillers, in their protest, called for the reopening of companies, emphasizing the economic challenges faced by workers amid fuel subsidy removal and currency fluctuations. Meanwhile, NAFDAC officials commenced enforcement in Osun State, emphasizing the need to curb alcohol abuse, particularly among youths.