Groups Protest Sachet Alcohol Ban, Urge NAFDAC to Reverse Policy
A coalition of civil society organizations has urgently called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to pause the implementation of its ban on sachet alcohol, arguing that the decision is detrimental to the community and threatens livelihoods. In a demonstration held at NAFDAC’s headquarters, protesters showcased placards denouncing the policy.
The coalition contends that the ban will result in extensive job losses within the production, distribution, and retail sectors associated with sachet alcohol. They assert that small-scale traders and low-income earners, who rely heavily on the sale of sachet alcohol, would be disproportionately affected by this prohibition. The protesters advocate for the consideration of alternative regulatory approaches rather than an outright ban.
NAFDAC, led by Director-General Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, stands firm on its decision. Adeyeye has reiterated the agency’s commitment to the ban, emphasizing that a reversal can only occur through legislative or legal directives. The varying responses to the ban highlight a divide among stakeholders; while civil society organizations, traders, and manufacturers are requesting dialogue and reconsideration of the policy, NAFDAC insists that such measures are crucial for public health protection.
The ongoing debate reflects broader concerns regarding the socio-economic implications of regulatory decisions, particularly for vulnerable populations dependent on sachet alcohol for their livelihoods. The coalition’s protest underscores the tension between public health objectives and economic realities faced by low-income communities.
