Booze Blues: Distillery Dudes Descend on NAFDAC, Claim Booze Ban Bottles Lives (Literally)

By Mayowa Oladeji On Feb 7, 2024

The air in Oshodi, Lagos, was thicker than a hangover Tuesday as members of the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (who knew there was such a thing?) stormed the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Why the ruckus? Turns out, NAFDAC put the kibosh on those handy-dandy sachet and PET bottle boozes, leaving these distillers feeling drier than a dusty cork.

But it wasn’t just hurt feelings fueling the protest. The Food Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association and the National Union of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employees chimed in, claiming this ban “sent over 500,000 breadwinners out of jobs and into the oversaturated Nigerian labour market.” Talk about going from top shelf to unemployment line faster than you can say “Cheers!”

Now, before you grab your pitchfork and join the booze brigade, hold your horses. NAFDAC claims the ban aims to curb environmental pollution and underage drinking. Think of it as a forced detox for both the planet and pint-sized party animals.

But the distillers see it differently. They argue the ban hurts responsible drinkers while ignoring the real culprits – those litterbugs who toss empty bottles like confetti at a wedding. Plus, they claim the move throws thousands out of work, potentially creating more problems than it solves.

So, who’s right? Is this ban a necessary evil or just a buzzkill? Only time (and maybe a few taste tests) will tell. But one thing’s for sure: this battle between booze barons and bottle busters is about to get messy, and the only thing guaranteed to flow freely is… well, not alcohol anymore.

NAFDAC