Rebirth Movement Nigeria Urges Halt to Sachet Alcohol Ban

Rebirth Movement Nigeria, led by Comrad Johnson Kolawole Michael, is calling for urgent intervention from the federal government regarding the enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol products in 200ml PET bottles. The group claims that the enforcement contravenes existing national alcohol policies approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and disregards presidential directives.

They argue that continuing the ban could trigger widespread civil unrest and negatively impact Nigeria's fragile economic environment, leading to massive job losses across the alcohol product value chain. The group emphasizes that sachet alcohol products cater to low-income adult consumers and should not be arbitrarily removed without empirical justification.

They reject claims that these products encourage abuse, asserting that smaller packaging may help moderate consumption. The group warns that the ban could lead to the rise of illicit and substandard products in the market, posing greater public health risks.

They have called for the immediate suspension of the enforcement and for the government to engage in dialogue with stakeholders to resolve the matter.