Members of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) are currently occupying the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) office complex in Isolo, Lagos. The protest centers on NAFDAC’s continued enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET bottles, and small-volume packaging. The union insists that the Federal Government has directed a suspension of the enforcement, but the regulatory agency has yet to comply. The development is drawing national attention as tensions rise between industry workers and the regulatory body.
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According to reports monitored by Mediaplusng.com, union members gather in large numbers at the NAFDAC facility, demanding immediate action. Protesters carry placards and chant solidarity songs, calling on the agency to respect what they describe as a clear directive from the Federal Government. The demonstration highlights growing concerns within Nigeria’s food and beverage industry over regulatory policies, job security, and economic stability.
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At the heart of the dispute is the controversial ban on sachet alcohol, a policy introduced to regulate the consumption and distribution of small-sized alcoholic beverages across Nigeria. NAFDAC maintains that the ban is part of broader public health and safety measures aimed at reducing alcohol abuse, particularly among young people. However, the union argues that the sudden enforcement significantly affects workers, manufacturers, distributors, and small-scale retailers who depend on the sector for survival.
As gathered by Mediaplusng.com, the union claims that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) issue a directive calling for the suspension of the enforcement exercise. According to union representatives, this directive instructs NAFDAC to halt further clampdowns and allow stakeholders time to adjust to regulatory changes. The protesters insist that compliance with this directive is necessary to prevent further disruption within the industry.
The National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees is also calling on NAFDAC to immediately unseal production lines that have been shut down during enforcement operations. Several manufacturing facilities across Lagos and other parts of Nigeria reportedly suspend operations following regulatory action. The union stresses that these closures put thousands of jobs at risk, threatening the livelihoods of factory workers, transporters, and supply chain operators.
In its continued coverage, Mediaplusng.com reports that union leaders describe the situation as an industrial and economic emergency. They argue that while regulatory oversight remains important, enforcement must align with official government directives and consider the socio-economic impact. The union emphasizes that the food and beverage sector contributes significantly to Nigeria’s manufacturing industry, employment rate, and internally generated revenue.
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Industry stakeholders express concern that prolonged factory closures may lead to product shortages, rising prices, and increased smuggling of unregulated alcoholic beverages. Economic analysts warn that inconsistent policy implementation can discourage investment in Nigeria’s manufacturing and consumer goods sector. The ongoing standoff between NAFDAC and the union therefore raises broader questions about regulatory transparency, policy coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
NAFDAC, as Nigeria’s primary food and drug regulatory authority, is responsible for safeguarding public health by ensuring that food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water meet safety standards. The agency has consistently defended the sachet alcohol ban as part of efforts to promote responsible consumption and reduce underage access to alcohol. Public health advocates support stricter regulations, citing concerns about alcohol abuse and its social consequences.
Meanwhile, union members maintain that they are not opposing regulation but are demanding compliance with what they describe as a lawful suspension directive from the Federal Government. They call for dialogue, stakeholder consultation, and a balanced approach that protects both public health and industrial jobs. The protesters vow to continue their peaceful occupation until their demands are addressed.
The situation remains dynamic as negotiations and official clarifications are anticipated. Observers across Nigeria’s manufacturing, regulatory, and labor sectors closely monitor developments in Lagos. The outcome of this dispute may significantly influence future regulatory enforcement strategies, labor relations, and government policy implementation within Nigeria’s food and beverage industry.
For now, the occupation of the NAFDAC office complex in Isolo underscores the growing tension between regulatory enforcement and economic sustainability. As discussions continue, stakeholders await a resolution that balances public health priorities with job protection, industry stability, and adherence to federal directives.
