Members of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) have occupied NAFDAC’s office complex in Isolo, Lagos, in protest over the agency’s continued enforcement of the ban on alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the union is demanding that NAFDAC unseal production lines previously shut down, claiming there was a directive from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser ordering a suspension of the ban’s enforcement.
However, NAFDAC has firmly denied receiving any such instruction. The agency dismissed reports suggesting the Federal Government directed it to halt enforcement of the prohibition on sachet and PET-bottled alcohol, describing the claims as false and misleading.
NAFDAC recently began implementing the nationwide ban on alcohol sold in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.
Social media reports had alleged that the enforcement drive was to be stopped, but the agency said no formal communication to that effect had been received.
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In a statement signed by Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC stressed that it operates strictly within its legal mandate and in line with officially communicated government policies.
It reiterated that no directive had been issued to suspend regulatory or enforcement actions concerning sachet alcohol.
The agency urged the public, industry players, and the media to ignore unverified reports and rely only on information from its official channels.
It also cautioned that spreading false information could create unnecessary public anxiety, economic uncertainty, and confusion about government policy.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and acting in the national interest.