National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Stakeholders are protesting the Federal Government’s decision to forbid the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles with a capacity of less than 200 milliliters, as enforced by the National Agency for Foods and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, thousands of people stormed the NAFDAC Complex office in Isolo, Lagos, carrying placards with various messages opposing the ban. Protesters included the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria and concerned citizens represented by the Food Beverages and Tobacco Senior Staff Association and the National Union of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE).
The startling impact on employment is one of the main issues raised by protestors. As they stated, the prohibition jeopardizes the livelihoods of innumerable breadwinners who depend on the alcohol sector for their income, with over a million jobs at risk.
One of the demonstrators, Adeolu Badejoko, told journalists that the NAFDAC decision runs the risk of worsening the nation’s already high unemployment rates by forcing more people into the already congested Nigerian labor market.
He stated, “There is a real fear that the ban could unintentionally contribute to an increase in criminal activities, such as kidnapping and robbery, beyond the immediate economic repercussions.”
He claimed that there has long been evidence linking unemployment to an increase in crime.
Muideen Kolawole, another protester, also said that the government must put in consideration the broader societal implications before implementing a measure that might inadvertently compromise public safety.
He however said the ban may have adverse effects on the informal economy, where many small-scale businesses operate within the alcoholic beverage sector.
“These businesses, often run by local entrepreneurs, contribute to the economic fabric of communities and provide a source of income for numerous families. Disrupting this ecosystem without adequate alternatives could lead to a domino effect, impacting various sectors connected to the alcoholic beverage industry,”.
A public affairs analyst, Comrade Ojo Olorunmola, based in Lagos also said that while NAFDAC’s intention to regulate and ensure public health is appreciated, it is essential to strike a balance between achieving regulatory goals and safeguarding economic stability.
“The government’s blanket ban is not in the interest of the masses, especially workers in the alcoholic beverage industries and petty traders and distributors who earn their living through the banned products.
“There should be mitigating measures against unemployment before the government can take such a harsh decision. There are high unemployment rates in the land; the government should create an enabling environment for job creation before making such a decision.
“I call on the Federal Government to reverse the decision and ensure that the suffering masses are not further suffocated.
“The government should equip NAFDAC and environmental officers to be up and doing in enforcing the necessary regulations guiding the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages rather than ban the products.
“This would allow for the development of comprehensive regulations that address health concerns while preserving jobs and mitigating potential social consequences.
“It is very obvious that the ban on alcoholic drinks in sachets proposed by NAFDAC has sparked legitimate concerns regarding unemployment and its potential contribution to increased criminal activities.
“As the government contemplates regulatory measures, a holistic and consultative approach is imperative. Striking a balance between public health and economic stability will ensure a more sustainable and effective solution for all stakeholders involved,” Olorunmola added.
