Traders Appeal to Tinubu, NAFDAC Over Sachet Alcohol Ban
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For many petty traders in Lagos, the prohibition of sachet and small-sized plastic-bottled alcoholic beverages extends beyond a regulatory mandate; it represents a direct threat to their livelihoods and domestic financial security.
Members of the Lagos State chapter of Concerned Drink Sellers and Traders Across Nigeria are calling on the Federal Government and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to suspend the enforcement of the ban targeting alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and plastic bottles under 200ml.
The traders, who recently organized a public demonstration in Lagos, stated that the policy has exacerbated their financial strain, resulting in accumulating debt, lost revenue, and heightened economic instability.
These grievances follow NAFDAC’s directive requiring manufacturers to recall and destroy all alcoholic beverage products packaged in sachets and plastic bottles under 200ml.
Ogbeni Adebayo, Chairman of the association's Lagos State chapter, noted that enforcement measures have intensified the financial hardships of small-scale retailers who rely on these sales for daily revenue.
He further reported that enforcement officials have conducted high-handed operations, seizing merchandise from small business owners and leaving them in severe financial distress.
“On many occasions, the enforcers go on aggressive operations, confiscating goods and putting these petty traders in a state of hopelessness.
Over 90 per cent of the retailers you see here today are on bank loans that they have no idea how to pay back,” Adebayo said.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu and NAFDAC to consider the traders' situation, emphasizing that many had financed their inventory through loans.
“Where does the government want them to run to now? We are calling on President Tinubu and NAFDAC to help us,” he said.
For some protesters, the issue extends beyond the commercial sale of alcoholic beverages, directly impacting their livelihoods and family welfare.
One retailer, Imeh Iyang, stated that he and his spouse depended on the enterprise as their primary, legitimate source of income.
“My wife and I sell sachet alcoholic beverages as legal retailers. That’s our legitimate means of livelihood. Most of the women gathered here today do the same business to cater for their families. Many of them are single mothers and widows. How does the government want them to survive this harsh economy?” he asked.
Another retailer, Lola Omololu, stated that she has relied on the small-scale business to support her children following the passing of her husband.
“Since I lost my husband, this petty trade has been my only means of paying bills and feeding my children. I can’t go into prostitution or do anything against the law to feed my children. The government should help us,” she said.
Temitayo Shodeke highlighted that the enforcement measures present a severe challenge, coming at a time when numerous households are already grappling with escalating living expenses.
“In this harsh economy, the government’s decision, in addition to NAFDAC’s enforcement, is brutal, to say the least. Is selling sachet alcoholic beverages a crime?” she asked.
Shodeke appealed to the authorities to re-evaluate the policy's impact on small-scale retailers and establish viable alternatives before implementing measures that jeopardize their primary means of survival.
“Do they want people to commit crimes before taking care of their basic needs, or to fold their arms in idleness and die of extreme hunger?” she said.
The protesters called on the Federal Government to consult with retailers and key stakeholders before proceeding with further enforcement actions, emphasizing the need to reconcile public health objectives with the economic survival of thousands of small business owners.
Photo: Protesters displaying placards during a demonstration against the sachet alcohol ban in Lagos.
Caption: Members of the Concerned Drink Sellers and Traders Across Nigeria assemble in Lagos to petition the Federal Government and NAFDAC for a moratorium on the sachet alcohol ban.
