“SACHET ALCOHOL BAN SPARKS OUTRAGE: DISTILLERS, UNIONS PROTEST NAFDAC’s ‘ECONOMIC SABOTAGE”
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria, alongside officials of FOBTOB and NUFBTE, staged a protest at NAFDAC’s Lagos office, citing concerns over the ban on sachet alcohol production and sales. Here are the key issues:
– Job Losses : The ban threatens 5.5 million jobs across manufacturing, distribution, and retail segments, with investments worth N2 trillion at risk.
– Local Industry Impact : “Stop destroying local manufacturers,” “N2 trillion investment deserves protection,” and “5.5 million Nigerians cannot be pushed to the streets” were some of the placards displayed.
– Contresting Directives : NAFDAC’s actions contradict an SGF directive to halt enforcement pending consultations.
– Alternative Solutions: Unions advocate for access control measures, not an outright ban, citing the Draft National Alcohol Policy.
– NAFDAC’s Stance : Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye insists the ban protects public health, citing global standards and Nigeria’s SDG 3.5 commitment
The union leaders further cautioned that the development could undermine the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and send a negative signal to foreign investors being courted by the administration.
They called on NAFDAC and relevant government stakeholders to engage in dialogue with industry players and labour unions to arrive at a balanced regulatory framework that protects public health while safeguarding investments and jobs.
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