Staff from distillery companies and a major industry workers’ union in Nigeria staged a protest at the Lagos headquarters of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), challenging the continued enforcement of a nationwide ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small bottles.
Members of the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB), representing workers from distilleries affected by the policy, occupied the regulatory agency’s office and disrupted operations.
The demonstrators demanded that NAFDAC release products they claim are being withheld and reopen manufacturing facilities and distribution depots affected by enforcement.
The protest comes amid conflicting claims between industry stakeholders and government authorities over the status of the ban.
Demonstrators argued the Federal Government had issued clear directives to suspend enforcement actions while broader policy discussions continue.
However, NAFDAC has denied receiving any official order to halt the crackdown, stating that its regulatory actions are lawful and driven by public health considerations.
NAFDAC’s ban targets alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below a set volume, part of a broader public health initiative aimed at reducing underage alcohol access.
The policy has faced sharp criticism from manufacturers and labour groups, who warn it jeopardises employment and legitimate business activity in the beverage sector.
As of this report, the protest remains peaceful, and negotiations between union representatives and agency officials were reportedly underway.
