IPSaw Protests NAFDAC's Ban on Sachet Alcohol in Abuja

On Wednesday, IPSaw, led by Executive Director Stephen Eriba, held a press conference in Abuja to protest the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)'s ban on sachet alcohol. Eriba described the ban as illegal and arbitrary, violating Nigeria's national alcohol policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health.

He alleged that NAFDAC is disregarding a presidential directive and disrupting operations, which could affect companies pending the outcome of a joint committee review. The decision contradicts a resolution from the House of Representatives that urged regulatory bodies to suspend the ban and consult stakeholders during public hearings.

IPSaw warned that the policy threatens thousands of jobs across the alcohol product value chain and could lead to economic disruption, forcing companies to halt the distribution of sachet alcohol drinks. They maintain that smaller sachets provide affordable options for low-income adults and do not necessarily promote abuse, urging President Tinubu to intervene and remove Adeyey from office.