NAFDAC's alcohol ban faces backlash from industry stakeholders.
The Centre for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa has accused Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), of gross incompetence and abuse of public office. The group claims the recent ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic violates the National Alcohol Policy and contradicts a presidential directive.
The organisation's Executive Director, Amb. Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze, argued that the policy disregards resolutions of the House of Representatives, which had urged NAFDAC to suspend the ban following consultations with stakeholders. Nwanze warned that the enforcement could trigger widespread economic disruption, putting thousands of jobs and livelihoods at risk.
According to Nwanze, the timing of the policy is insensitive and counterproductive to the economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He also questioned the basis of the ban, describing allegations of widespread abuse by minors as unsubstantiated and lacking credible empirical evidence.
The group maintained that industry stakeholders have invested significantly in campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption and preventing underage access. They stressed that regulatory actions must be evidence-based rather than sentiment-driven.
NAFDAC's Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye is being accused of gross incompetence and abuse of public office by the Centre for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa. The organisation argues that the recent ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic will trigger widespread economic disruption and put thousands of jobs at risk. The real implication of this policy is that it threatens to undermine investor confidence and paint the government in a negative light. If implemented, it could lead to unintended consequences, including a surge in illicit and unregulated products.
