Protesters Demand Review of NAFDAC's Alcohol Ban

On Wednesday, protesters in Abuja expressed their concerns regarding the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and its recent enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol products in 200ml PET bottles. The protest, organized by a coalition of concerned citizens, featured Amb.

Kingsley Nwanz, who criticized the ban as illegal and arbitrary, alleging it contravenes existing national alcohol policy provisions approved by the Federal Ministry of Health. Nwanz warned that the enforcement of this ban could disrupt businesses and lead to civil unrest, undermining ongoing economic reforms and potentially resulting in job losses.

The group argued that sachet alcohol serves as a controlled consumption option for low-income consumers and that the ban could encourage illicit and unregulated products. They formally petitioned the Senate, expressing confidence that lawmakers would review the matter based on empirical evidence.

The protest highlighted growing tensions within the beverage sector regarding public health policy and economic considerations.