The enforcement actions, which target the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200ml, have reportedly disrupted operations across the value chain, forcing many local manufacturers to shut down production lines while thousands of workers face uncertainty over their livelihoods.
The situation culminated in a major protest on Wednesday, as the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association—a union under the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and workers from various affected companies marched to the Lagos office of NAFDAC to register their grievances.
The protesters, who converged on the agency’s premises as early as 8:30 a.m., carried placards with inscriptions appealing to the Federal Government to urgently intervene and call the leadership of NAFDAC to order in the interest of national economic stability.
Some of the messages on the placards read: “Local manufacturers deserve protection, not frustration,” “Stop destroying local manufacturers,” “₦2 trillion investment deserves protection,” “5.5 million Nigerians cannot be pushed to the streets,” and “The Renewed Hope Agenda must work for all Nigerians.”
Speaking to journalists during the protest, Comrade Solomon Adebosin, Executive Secretary of the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association—a union under the Trade Union Congress—said the protest became inevitable following NAFDAC’s decision to commence full enforcement of the ban despite a prior directive from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
According to Adebosin, the SGF had directed that all actions and measures relating to the proposed ban be suspended pending broader consultations and a final government directive.
“NAFDAC’s decision to proceed with enforcement, despite clear instructions to suspend all actions, is troubling,” Adebosin said. “This ban will not only result in the loss of over five million jobs, but will also put more than ₦3 trillion worth of investments at serious risk.”
He warned that at a time when the Nigerian economy is grappling with inflation, unemployment and declining purchasing power, policies that threaten local manufacturing and mass employment could worsen the situation.
“At this period in our economy, throwing over five million Nigerians out of work and jeopardising trillions of naira in investments will not augur well for the country. While we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for proactive steps to stabilise the economy, policies that kill local investments and destroy jobs directly contradict these efforts,” he added.
Adebosin further argued that the ban disproportionately affects indigenous manufacturers, who dominate the sachet alcohol segment, noting that multinational companies remain largely insulated from its impact.
“With the way this policy is structured and enforced, it appears targeted at frustrating local producers out of the market. The ripple effect will be severe, affecting distributors, transporters, retailers and countless families whose survival depends on this value chain,” he said.
He advocated for proper regulation through access control, public education and advocacy, noting that such approaches are globally recognised as more sustainable and effective than outright bans.
“Regulation, not prohibition, is the global best practice. Deepening regulation will protect public health without creating economic havoc,” Adebosin stressed.
Also speaking at the protest, Comrade Azeez Rasaki, representing the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees, said the enforcement actions undermine the economic recovery objectives of the Tinubu administration.
“These actions run contrary to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which promises job creation, industrial growth and support for local enterprises. Policies should strengthen industries, not cripple them,” Rasaki said.
The protesters called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene, halt the enforcement of the ban, and initiate inclusive consultations with industry stakeholders, labour unions and manufacturers to arrive at a balanced solution that protects both public health and economic livelihoods.