Alcohol Sachet Ban: "No Work for Us, No Work for You" β NLC, FOBTOB Protesters Temporarily Block NAFDAC Lagos Office
Protesters from the Nigeria Labour Congress and the FOBTOB temporarily block access to NAFDAC's Lagos office, protesting against the agency's alcohol sachet ban enforcement.
On February 26, 2026, members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) protested outside the Lagos office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) by blocking its entrance. The protesters chanted slogans like "No work for us, no work for you," expressing their discontent with NAFDAC's recent enforcement actions regarding the ban on alcohol sachets, which they believe could threaten jobs and economic livelihoods within the beverage industry.
The protest disrupted activities at the NAFDAC office for roughly two hours, with barricades preventing staff members from accessing the building. The situation escalated but remained non-violent, showcasing the frustrations of workers in Nigeria's food and beverage sector, particularly as they face potential job losses stemming from regulatory changes imposed by the agency. The demonstration highlighted growing unrest among industry workers and the broader implications of regulatory enforcement on employment.
Police intervention was necessary to restore order and allow NAFDAC personnel to enter the office. This incident reflects a larger conflict between regulatory bodies and labor organizations in Nigeria, where enforcement of public health and safety regulations often clashes with the economic realities faced by workers. The protest further signals the urgent need for dialogue between governmental agencies and labor unions to address the workforce's concerns while ensuring compliance with health regulations.