Workers oppose sachet alcohol ban, mobilize nationwide protest

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Protests Over Sachet Alcohol Ban Intensify in Nigeria

Employees from companies that produce sachet alcohol, along with various civil society organizations, have raised concerns about the potential for a nationwide protest if the ban on small-volume alcoholic beverages and PET bottles under 200ml is not lifted. This comes after several demonstrations in Lagos, where workers stormed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) office to voice their grievances.

The protests began three days prior to the latest demonstration, when employees from the Food, Beverages, and Tobacco Senior Staff Association and the National Union of Food, Beverages, and Tobacco Employees gathered outside the NAFDAC headquarters. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the impact of the ban on their operations and warned that up to five million Nigerians could be affected directly or indirectly.

Following the initial protest, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, met with union leaders. However, she maintained that the ban would remain in place until there was a change in legislation. This stance has only fueled further discontent among the workers.

On Monday, the protests continued, with employees from the Federation of Brewery and Other Beverage Trade Unions of Nigeria (FOBTOB) and the National Union of Food, Beverages, and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) joining forces with members of the Coalition for the Protection of Consumers’ Rights. Demonstrators carried placards and sang solidarity songs, emphasizing their demands for action.

Oyibo Jimoh, the National President of FOBTOB, stated that discussions with the House of Representatives were aimed at creating a national alcohol policy that would consider all stakeholders' interests. He criticized NAFDAC for sealing factories without consulting the unions, calling it a disregard for the government's position. Jimoh also disputed claims by NAFDAC regarding the alcohol content in sachet drinks, accusing them of distorting facts.

Azeez Rasaq, Head of Department in charge of Brewery and Tobacco at NUFBTE, warned that the union would not hesitate to organize a nationwide protest against NAFDAC. He emphasized that millions of jobs could be at risk if the issue is not resolved, stating that labor unions like the TUC and NLC would eventually take up the cause if the government continues to ignore the workers.

Declan Ihekaira, representing civil society organizations, argued that the ban disproportionately affects low-income earners, infringing on their rights. He added that CSOs would mobilize their members for a nationwide protest if necessary.

Biodun Adeyemi, a staff member of one of the affected companies, expressed his willingness to participate in a protest, highlighting the personal impact of job loss on his family. He stressed that the decision to ban sachet alcohol could have far-reaching consequences for many families, including extended relatives.

Olamiye Somefun, Chairman of FOBTOB in Lagos State, said the union would escalate its efforts if demands are not met. He suggested that the next step could involve marching to Abuja and confronting the National Assembly to bring attention to their grievances. Somefun questioned whether NAFDAC’s actions aligned with the government’s promises to improve citizens' lives.

As tensions continue to rise, the situation highlights the growing conflict between regulatory authorities and industry workers over the impact of the sachet alcohol ban. The possibility of a nationwide protest looms large, with workers determined to fight for their livelihoods and the interests of their communities.