Members of the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria have staged a protest against the ban on sachet and PET bottles containing alcoholic drinks imposed by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Led by representatives from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria and Food, Beverages, and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB), labor strongly opposed the Federal Government’s prohibition on the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small bottles.
They argue that more than 45,000 jobs and substantial investments are at risk.
The protesting workers, who gathered at NAFDAC’s office on Plot 1, Industrial Estate, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Isolo, Lagos State, displayed placards expressing their grievances.
The demonstration follows a two-day enforcement exercise by NAFDAC operatives in Ota, Ogun State, resulting in the closure of some factories.
In January 2022, NAFDAC announced a halt to the registration of alcohol in sachet and small-volume PET and glass bottles.
The decision was made based on recommendations from a high-powered committee of the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC, as well as input from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Industry (represented by the Association of Food, Beverages, and Tobacco Employers), and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria in December 2018.
Vice Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Trade Union Congress, Idogen Emmanuel, expressed concern that since the ban and sealing of companies producing alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles, many workers have been forced to stay at home, potentially resulting in job losses.
He appealed to NAFDAC to reopen these companies, emphasizing the economic challenges faced by both manufacturers and the nation.
While NAFDAC officials initiated the enforcement of the sachet alcohol ban in Osun State, Assistant Director Dare Moses highlighted the nationwide nature of the enforcement.
The move aims to curb alcohol abuse, especially among youth, by discontinuing the production of alcoholic beverages below 200ml, including sachets, due to concerns about their affordability and accessibility to primary school pupils.
