Distillers, alongside members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Tuesday staged a protest at the Lagos office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over the ban on sachet alcohol. The demonstrators, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, demanded an immediate review of the policy, which they say threatens livelihoods across the value chain.

The protesters argued that the ban could lead to massive job losses, particularly among low-income workers involved in production, distribution, and retail of sachet alcoholic drinks. Representatives of the distillers’ association said small and medium-scale manufacturers would be hardest hit, warning that the policy could cripple local businesses and worsen unemployment at a time of economic strain.

NAFDAC has maintained that the ban is aimed at protecting public health and reducing alcohol abuse, especially among youths. However, labour leaders insisted that dialogue, regulation, and stricter enforcement would be more effective than an outright ban. They called on the federal government to engage stakeholders and find a balanced solution that safeguards public health without undermining jobs and local industry.

Distillers, alongside members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Tuesday staged a protest at the Lagos office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over the ban on sachet alcohol. The demonstrators, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, demanded an immediate review of the policy, which they say threatens livelihoods across the value chain.

The protesters argued that the ban could lead to massive job losses, particularly among low-income workers involved in production, distribution, and retail of sachet alcoholic drinks. Representatives of the distillers’ association said small and medium-scale manufacturers would be hardest hit, warning that the policy could cripple local businesses and worsen unemployment at a time of economic strain.

NAFDAC has maintained that the ban is aimed at protecting public health and reducing alcohol abuse, especially among youths. However, labour leaders insisted that dialogue, regulation, and stricter enforcement would be more effective than an outright ban. They called on the federal government to engage stakeholders and find a balanced solution that safeguards public health without undermining jobs and local industry.