CSOs Demand NAFDAC DG's Removal Over Alcohol Ban

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have demanded the immediate removal of Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyey, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), citing allegations of gross incompetence and abuse of public office. During a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Amb Kingslei Enwelim Nwanz, the group's Executive Director, criticized NAFDAC's enforcement of a ban on 200ml sachet alcohol products, labeling the action as illegal, arbitrary, and inconsistent with national policy.

The CSOs argue that the ban violates the national alcohol policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and disregards presidential directives not to disrupt operations affecting companies pending a review. They warn that the ban could trigger economic disruption and social unrest, undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's economic agenda.

The CSOs maintain that sachet alcohol products serve low-income consumers and should not be criminalized, emphasizing the need for regulatory decisions based on empirical evidence rather than sentiment.