Ibadan Alcohol Sellers Protest Ban, Seek Government Support

On Thursday, sachet alcohol sellers in Ibadan, Oyo, protested at the Federal Secretariat, Ikolaba, urging the Federal Government to reconsider its ban on alcoholic drinks sold in sachets and containers below 200 millilitres. The protesters, carrying placards, appealed for a solution that would address public health concerns while protecting their livelihoods.

Iyabo Balogun, the Iyalode of sachet alcohol traders, highlighted that many women in the trade rely on it for their families' support, particularly widows. She called on President Bola Tinubu to consider the economic consequences of the ban.

Dr Isaac Kolawole, the Oyo State Coordinator of NAFDAC, acknowledged the protesters' peaceful conduct but reiterated that public health concerns were the driving force behind the ban. He noted that some traders had begun transitioning to other businesses and encouraged the protesters to seek government support for alternative livelihoods instead of solely relying on reversing the ban.