Protests have intensified in Lagos, Nigeria, as members of the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) continue their demonstrations against the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) regarding the enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol. The workers have barricaded the office of NAFDAC in Lagos, arguing that the agency is not complying with what they claim are joint directives from the Federal Government to halt the enforcement of the ban until the National Alcohol Policy is fully implemented. This ongoing unrest highlights the tension between regulatory authority and labor interests in the beverage sector.

In response to the demonstrators' claims, NAFDAC has firmly rejected the allegations, stating that any assertions suggesting it received orders to suspend the enforcement of the alcohol ban are unfounded and based on misinformation. The agency has clarified that it has not been formally instructed to cease its regulatory responsibilities, emphasizing its role in safeguarding public health through effective regulation. This response underscores NAFDAC's commitment to enforcing health policies despite the pressure from industry workers.

The protest led by FOBTOB reflects significant concerns within the beverage workforce regarding economic implications of the sachet alcohol ban. As the protests grow, the broader conversation about public health and regulation in Nigeria is amplified, at a time when the need for clarity and consensus on alcohol policies is critical for stakeholders. The situation poses challenges for both governmental authorities and industry workers as they navigate the complexities of health regulations and labor rights.