Distillery Workers Resume Protest at NAFDAC Lagos Office Over Sachet Alcohol Ban

Workers of distiller companies on Thursday resumed their protest at the Lagos office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), intensifying opposition to the enforcement of the federal government’s ban on sachet alcohol.

The protesters, largely members of the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB), gathered at NAFDAC’s zonal office in Isolo, demanding an immediate halt to the enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres. The workers are insisting that NAFDAC comply with what they describe as a directive from the Federal Government to suspend enforcement of the policy. According to union representatives, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had advised that the clampdown be put on hold pending further consultations. Protesters called for the reopening of sealed factories and depots, arguing that the continued enforcement has led to production shutdowns, job losses and mounting financial strain on companies within the sector. However, NAFDAC has denied receiving any official directive ordering it to suspend the ban. The agency maintained that the prohibition of sachet alcohol and small-sized PET bottles remains in effect, describing reports of a suspension as false and misleading. NAFDAC has repeatedly defended the policy as a public health measure aimed at reducing alcohol abuse, particularly among underage persons and vulnerable groups. The agency insists that the decision followed years of stakeholder engagement and aligns with its statutory mandate to safeguard public health. The protest marks the latest development in a prolonged dispute between regulators and industry players. In recent weeks, the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), alongside labour bodies including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have staged demonstrations condemning the ban. Industry stakeholders argue that the policy could threaten thousands of jobs across the production and distribution value chain. They also warn of broader economic implications, including revenue losses and disruptions to small-scale retailers who depend heavily on sachet alcohol sales. Security personnel were present at the NAFDAC office to maintain order, and there were no immediate reports of violence as of the time of filing this report.