The Citizen Network has strongly criticized the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over its decision to commence the enforcement of a ban on sachet alcoholic beverages, describing the action as arbitrary, anti-people, and detrimental to the nation’s economy.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the group’s representative, Comrade Johnson Kolawole Michael, expressed concern that the enforcement, announced under the leadership of NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, is disrupting the livelihoods of workers and operators in the wines and spirits sector, a segment the group said contributes significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
According to the Citizen Network, the decision contradicts an earlier directive issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on December 15, 2025, which instructed that enforcement of the ban be suspended.
The group also noted that the action runs contrary to resolutions of the House of Representatives contained in document NAS/10/HR/CT.33/77c of March 14, 2024, where lawmakers, following public hearings and consultations with stakeholders, restrained NAFDAC from implementing the ban, describing it as unacceptable and anti-people.
The group accused NAFDAC of selectively relying on a Senate resolution that, it claimed, excluded critical stakeholders and failed to reflect public opinion. It disclosed that it has formally approached the Senate, expressing confidence that lawmakers would reconsider the matter after further consultations.
Comrade Michael said the conflicting directives from different arms of government have created confusion among industry operators, leaving them uncertain about which authority to comply with.
He further argued that sachet and small PET bottle alcohol products were introduced to cater to adult consumers with limited purchasing power and that banning them would deny such consumers their fundamental right of choice. He dismissed claims that sachet alcohol encourages abuse, stating instead that smaller portions help discourage excessive consumption typically associated with larger containers.
The Citizen Network also maintained that sachet alcoholic beverages produced locally meet hygienic standards and are duly certified by regulatory bodies, including NAFDAC. It added that allegations of underage abuse have been countered by independent empirical research, while industry players have invested over ₦1 billion in nationwide campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption and discouraging underage drinking.
While reaffirming its support for the removal of unsafe products from the market, the group insisted that regulatory decisions must be guided by empirical evidence rather than sentiment. It warned that the ban could lead to factory closures, job losses, and the influx of illicit, substandard, and smuggled alcoholic products, thereby depriving government of revenue and consumers of regulated options.
The Citizen Network called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, members of the National Assembly, and concerned Nigerians to intervene and urge the NAFDAC Director-General to halt the enforcement of the ban and comply with existing directives suspending it.
The group warned that failure to heed the call could leave it with no alternative but to embark on a nationwide mass action.
