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NAFDAC Staff In Lagos Locked Out As Union Protests Sachet Alcohol Ban

Naija News • 4d ago
NAFDAC Staff In Lagos Locked Out As Union Protests Sachet Alcohol Ban
**Sachet Alcohol Ban: NAFDAC Office in Lagos Paralysed as Union Protests** In a dramatic turn of events, Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) faced a significant disruption in its operations at its Lagos office. The protest, led by the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees, brought work to a grinding halt as union members barricaded the entrance and exit gates of the office in Isolo. This action was a direct response to the continued enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and PET bottles below 200 millilitres. The union is pushing for the immediate unsealing of affected factories and production lines, warning that persistent enforcement could lead to severe economic repercussions across the industry. This is not the first time the union has taken to the streets in protest. Earlier this month, they picketed the Lagos NAFDAC office over what they claimed was the agency's refusal to comply with a directive from the Federal Government to suspend enforcement of the ban. According to the union, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser had issued the directive, calling for the suspension of enforcement and the reopening of sealed production lines. However, NAFDAC denied receiving any official instruction to halt enforcement of the ban. The agency maintains that its actions are in line with the country's regulatory framework and its commitment to protecting public health. The protest, which drew the attention of police officers to the premises, eventually subsided, and access to the office was restored. The incident highlights the complex relationship between regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders, with both parties locked in a tug-of-war over policy implementation and compliance. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the sachet alcohol ban has become a contentious issue, with far-reaching implications for the economy and public health. The government, industry stakeholders, and regulatory agencies must engage in constructive dialogue to find a solution that balances competing interests and prioritizes the well-being of citizens.
Source: Original Article. AI-enhanced version.