Protesters against the ban on alcohol in sachets and pet bottles and protesters in support of the ban on Tuesday stormed the Lagos office of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at Isolo.
Freedomonline reports that both groups displayed various placards with contrasting messages in support of and against NAFDAC’s decision to stop manufacturers from producing alcoholic beverages in sachet and pet bottles below 200ml.
Freedomonline had earlier reported that NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, on Jan. 21, during a media parley, told newsmen that NAFDAC had started enforcing the ban on alcohol in sachets.
Adeyeye stated that the enforcement would continue, stressing that only government legislation could halt the action.
Protesters in support of NAFDAC’s action carried placards urging the agency to maintain the ban.
Their messages included: “NAFDAC do the needful, our lives are precious”; “NAFDAC don’t let them kill us with sachet alcohol” ; “Alcoholic sachet drinks , killing Nigerians” among others
Protesters against the ban displayed placards with inscriptions ” Director-General of NAFDAC of working against the administration of President Bola Tinubu”, NAFDAC stop working for multi-nationals and protect indigenous manufacturers” and others.
Mr Babatunde Adeshina, who spoke on behalf of the group backing the NAFDAC decision, was against the unchecked circulation and access to alcohol among young Nigerians.
Adeshina noted that the group’s agitation was driven by national interest and concern for Nigeria’s future.
He said:”As concerned Nigerians, we are not against alcohol consumption, all we are against is the production and sales of alcohol in sachets.
“These alcoholic beverages in small quantities have ruined the lives of many especially teenagers and youth and the impact on public health is visible for all to see.
“That is why we are here to support NAFDAC”.
He urged the agency to follow the enforcement to the end, adding that a lot of Nigerians were solidly behind them.
Freedomonline reports that security men were on ground at the NAFDAC premises to prevent chaos and ensure safety of both groups.
