**Sachet Alcohol Ban: Distillers Gear Up for Lagos Protest** Nigeria's distilling industry is bracing itself for a showdown with the Federal Government over its nationwide crackdown on sachet alcohol beverages and PET bottles below 200ml. Employees of distilling companies have announced plans to stage a protest at the Lagos office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) today, Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The protest, which will be the eighth demonstration by distillers this year, is a culmination of their long-standing warnings that the ban could render up to five million Nigerians jobless. According to industry groups, the ban, which took effect from January 1, 2026, targets the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol in sachets and bottles smaller than 200ml. The Federal Government's aim is to curb underage drinking and harmful consumption patterns. However, the distillers argue that the ban is a death blow to their businesses. They claim that the ban will lead to massive job losses and economic hardship for many Nigerians who rely on the industry for their livelihood. The Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria has repeatedly expressed its concerns over the ban, which it says was imposed without adequate consultation with the industry stakeholders. The Federal Government's justification for the ban is rooted in the need to protect minors from the dangers of underage drinking. According to Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, the agency has been working with industry groups to address the issue of high-concentration alcohol in sachets. However, she acknowledged that the industry has been slow to respond to the concerns raised by the agency. The protest is a clear indication that the distillers are not willing to go down without a fight. As the Federal Government continues to enforce the ban, it remains to be seen whether the industry will find a way to adapt to the new regulations or whether the ban will indeed lead to the massive job losses that the distillers are warning about. In the midst of this controversy, one thing is clear: the sachet alcohol ban has brought the spotlight on Nigeria's drinking culture and the need for a more nuanced approach to regulating the industry. As the country grapples with the implications of the ban, it is essential to strike a balance between protecting public health and supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on the industry.