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Protesters against the ban on alcohol in sachets and pet bottles and protesters in support of the ban on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, stormed the Lagos office of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at Isolo in lagos.
Both groups displayed various placards with contrasting messages in support of and against NAFDAC’s decision to stop manufacturers from producing alcoholic beverages in sachets and pet bottles below 200ml.
EnviroNews 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, said the group was against the unchecked circulation of, 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.
A coalition of consumer rights advocates led by Mr. Olufemi Lawson, had staged a protest on Monday at NAFDAC Lagos Office, describing the planned enforcement as “economically insensitive and not well thought out”.
Security men were on ground at the NAFDAC premises to prevent chaos and ensure safety of both groups.
By Kemi Akintokun
