The Rebirth Movement Nigeria has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government over what it described as “clandestine and unlawful activities” by the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, particularly concerning the enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottled alcoholic products.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the group’s President, Comrade Johnson Kolawole Michael, alleged that the enforcement of the ban violates existing national policies and directives of the Federal Government.
He stated that the move contravenes the National Alcohol Policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and disregards a presidential directive restraining NAFDAC from disrupting affected businesses pending the outcome of a joint committee review.
The group further argued that the decision runs contrary to resolutions of the House of Representatives, which had earlier advised against such a ban following stakeholder consultations and a public hearing. According to the group, the House described the proposed restriction as “anti-people.”
Comrade Michael warned that the continued enforcement of the ban could trigger widespread civil unrest and negatively impact Nigeria’s fragile economic environment. He noted that the policy could lead to massive job losses across the alcohol production value chain, disrupt legitimate businesses, and reduce government revenue.
“The timing and manner of this enforcement are not only counterproductive but capable of undermining the economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
The group maintained that sachet and small-volume alcohol products were introduced to cater to low-income adult consumers and should not be arbitrarily removed without empirical justification. It also rejected claims that such products encourage abuse, arguing instead that smaller packaging may help moderate consumption.
Rebirth Movement Nigeria further cautioned that banning regulated products could open the market to illicit, substandard, and smuggled alternatives, thereby posing greater public health and economic risks.
While expressing support for efforts to eliminate unsafe products, the group emphasized that regulatory decisions must be evidence-based and not driven by “emotional persuasion or unverified claims.”
The group called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to urgently intervene by ordering an immediate suspension of the enforcement to prevent escalation of tensions.
The group issued a stern warning that failure to halt the enforcement could result in “grave unintended consequences,” including economic disruption, loss of livelihoods, and potential social unrest.
It urged the Federal Government to “call the NAFDAC DG to order,” insisting that the current actions are not in the public interest and could undermine confidence in government policies.
The press conference concluded with a call for dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to due process in resolving the matter.
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