Alcoholic Sachet Drinks: Groups Protest Against Ban At National Assembly

* Demands DG NAFDAC’s sack

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Scores of civil society groups Wednesday besieged the National Assembly to stage a protest against the ban on alcoholic beverages in sachet by the National Agency for Food And Drugs Administration and Control  (NAFDAC).

Tagged ‘Let The Poor Live’, the protesters were led by the Coalition Against Economic Saboteurs.

THE spokesperson for the coalition, who is also the main Convener, Adam Matazu, also called for the immediate sack of the NAFDAC DG, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, for her alleged anti-people policies. 

The groups lamented that the new policy would further pile more problems on the  Nigerian economy as it may lead to the eventual shutdown of the industries producing the products.

They further alleged that Adeyeye is being used by multinationals to destroy small businesses in local production and companies.

Matazu said: “Today, we address a matter of grave concern. The recent decision by the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Adeyeye, to ban the sale of beverages in small sachets. 

“We view this policy as a direct assault on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians. A move that will not only put countless citizens out of work but also exacerbate the existing problems of insecurity and unemployment in our nation.” 

“We strongly condemn this ill-thought-out policy, which seems disconnected from the realities faced by the ordinary Nigerian citizens. 

“NAFDAC leadership abandoned their core responsibility of focusing on issues that truly threaten the well-being of our people, such as the inflow of fake and substandard drugs. We find the Director General choosing to target a sector that provides employment for many Nigerians and serves the needs of millions of families.

“Professor Moji Adeyeye’s tenure at NAFDAC has, regrettably, been marked by a series of disappointments and failures to deliver the desired results. 

“Rather than ensuring the safety of our food and drugs, we have witnessed a surge in counterfeit beverages, creating a pervasive doubt about the authenticity of what our citizens consume.”

Another speaker, Ben Omale, also called on all  stakeholders to unite against the leadership of Adeyeye. 

He said: “We demand her immediate suspension from office by the president in order to avert further damage to our economy, job losses, and business closures. 

“It is imperative that NAFDAC should be led by someone who prioritizes the real issues affecting our nation’s health and economic stability.”