Tensions over Nigeria’s alcohol regulation policy intensified on Tuesday as a civil society organisation, the Centre for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa, called for the immediate removal of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, accusing her of gross incompetence and abuse of office.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the group’s Executive Director, Amb. Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze, strongly criticised NAFDAC’s enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottled alcoholic beverages, describing the action as illegal, arbitrary, and inconsistent with existing national policies.
Nwanze argued that the enforcement violates the National Alcohol Policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and disregards a presidential directive instructing the agency not to disrupt the operations of affected companies pending the outcome of a joint committee review.
The organisation further alleged that the move runs contrary to resolutions of the House of Representatives following a public hearing in March 2024, which reportedly cautioned against the ban and labelled it anti-people.
Warning of far-reaching consequences, the group said the policy could trigger economic instability, job losses, and declining investor confidence. It added that the enforcement undermines the economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a time when policy consistency is critical.
“The continued stay of the NAFDAC Director-General in office is no longer in the public interest,” Nwanze declared. “Her actions are creating policy confusion and sending conflicting signals within government.”
Defending the production and sale of sachet and small-volume alcoholic drinks, the group noted that such products were designed to meet the needs of low-income consumers, offering affordability and controlled consumption options for adults.
It also rejected claims linking sachet alcohol to widespread abuse, insisting that smaller packaging sizes can help moderate intake. The organisation stressed that manufacturers operate within regulated and hygienic frameworks, with certifications from relevant authorities, including NAFDAC itself.
While acknowledging concerns about underage drinking, the group highlighted ongoing industry efforts to promote responsible consumption, noting that over N1 billion has reportedly been invested in nationwide awareness campaigns and youth protection initiatives.
The Centre warned that enforcing the ban could inadvertently fuel the proliferation of illicit and substandard alcoholic products, encourage smuggling, and reduce government revenue from legitimate operators.
It urged the Federal Government to prioritise evidence-based policymaking, cautioning that poorly executed regulations could have unintended consequences on livelihoods and the broader economy.
The group ultimately called on President Tinubu to take decisive action by removing Prof. Adeyeye without delay, insisting that such a move is necessary to restore public confidence, ensure policy coherence, and safeguard economic stability.
