Civil Society Groups Protest NAFDAC Sachet Alcohol Ban, Warn Of Job Losses

Monday January 26, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to suspend its ban on sachet alcohol, describing the policy as anti-people and harmful to livelihoods.

The groups staged a protest at NAFDAC’s headquarters, where demonstrators displayed placards condemning the ban and calling for its immediate review.

According to the protesters, enforcing the policy could trigger widespread job losses across the sachet alcohol value chain, including manufacturing, distribution, and retail.

They warned that thousands of workers, small-scale traders, and business owners could be affected if the ban takes effect.

The coalition argued that the prohibition would disproportionately impact low-income earners who depend on sachet alcohol sales for daily income.

They urged NAFDAC to consider alternative measures such as stricter regulation, quality control, and improved monitoring instead of an outright ban.

While the ban has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders, civil society groups, traders, and manufacturers have continued to call for dialogue and broader stakeholder engagement.

NAFDAC, however, has maintained that the policy is necessary to protect public health and curb alcohol-related harm.
(TVC News)