Protests Erupt Over Job Losses in Nigeria's Beverage Sector

Workers from the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTB) protested at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) office in Lagos, demanding urgent intervention from the federal government to protect jobs in the sector. This protest, the fifth of its kind in 2026, was triggered by the enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and PET bottles below 200ml, which they argue threatens 5.5 million jobs.

Labor leader Jimoh Oyibo warned that the closure of legitimate manufacturing operations could lead to an influx of illegal operations, jeopardizing public safety and government revenue. Jeffery Igein, the national union's secretary, criticized the enforcement as contradictory to the spirit of national alcohol policy, urging NAFDAC to lift restrictions on factories.

Protests also occurred in Abuja and Aba, signaling growing dissatisfaction within the industry. NAFDAC's Director General, Mojisola Adeyey, stated there has been no official communication regarding the protests, while workers vowed to continue their demands for clarity and dialogue.