Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Staff from Nigeria’s distilling sector have renewed protest actions at the Lagos office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in response to ongoing enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small-volume PET bottles, highlighting deepening tensions between regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders. The demonstration, which unfolded on Thursday, saw members of the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) — representing employees of affected distiller companies — engage in organised picketing outside the agency’s Lagos headquarters, alleging that recent regulatory measures have caused significant economic hardship and job insecurity.
The protesters, who shut down access to parts of the NAFDAC office, carried placards and chanted slogans demanding the immediate release of products they said were unjustly held by the agency and the reopening of factories and distribution depots sealed as part of the ban’s enforcement. They argued that a directive from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) instructing a suspension of enforcement measures had not been honoured by NAFDAC, and they accused the agency of ignoring federal government guidance.
NAFDAC, however, has categorically denied any official suspension order from the Federal Government, insisting that the reports are “unverified information, fake news and a misrepresentation of government position,” and reaffirming that its regulatory actions remain within its statutory mandate to protect public health. The agency maintained that it has not received any formal communication to halt the enforcement of the sachet alcohol ban.
The protests reflect long-standing controversy surrounding the ban, which targets alcohol sold in sachets and PET bottles below 200 ml. The policy was introduced as part of a broader public health agenda to curb the proliferation of cheap, highly accessible alcoholic beverages that, according to regulatory and health advocates, contribute to increased alcohol misuse and social harms, particularly among young people. Enforcement of the ban has periodically been delayed or modified since its initial announcement, but regulators have signalled that it remains a priority in line with public health objectives.
Industry stakeholders — including distillers’ associations and labour unions — have repeatedly challenged the ban on economic grounds, arguing that it threatens jobs, undermines local manufacturing capacity, and could have wider negative effects on related sectors. In recent weeks, other demonstrations have also taken place, with civil society groups and unions calling for the policy to be reviewed or suspended in favour of a framework that balances health considerations with economic stability.
NAFDAC’s regulatory stance has been underscored by statements from its leadership emphasising the agency’s role in safeguarding consumers, especially vulnerable populations. Despite pressure from industry and some regulatory clarifications from parts of the federal government, NAFDAC has insisted that only a formal legislative change could alter the ban’s legal standing.
The renewed protest at the Lagos NAFDAC office occurred against a backdrop of broader debate involving policymakers, industry representatives, labour unions, and public health advocates. While workers and company representatives point to potential job losses and economic disruption, supporters of the ban maintain that reducing the availability of ultra-affordable alcohol forms part of Nigeria’s efforts to reduce harmful alcohol consumption and align with international public health goals.
Tensions between regulatory enforcement and industry interests have periodically erupted into public demonstrations since late 2025, with various groups voicing contrasting positions. These include labour alliances, civil society organisations, and consumer rights advocates, some of whom have also held protests both supporting and opposing the regulatory measures at different times.
The current demonstration by distiller companies’ staff underscores the challenges in reconciling economic livelihoods with regulatory action perceived as essential for public health. As engagements between industry groups and government officials continue, there is mounting pressure on policymakers to clarify the legal framework governing sachet alcohol production, distribution and sale, and to consider comprehensive strategies that address both health and economic impacts.
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