A civil society organisation, the Centre for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa, has called for the immediate removal of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, over allegations of “gross incompetence and abuse of public office.”
Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, the group’s Executive Director, Amb. Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze, strongly criticised NAFDAC’s enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottled alcoholic products, describing the action as illegal, arbitrary, and inconsistent with existing national policies.
According to the organisation, the move violates the National Alcohol Policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and disregards a presidential directive instructing the agency not to disrupt the operations of affected companies pending the outcome of a joint committee review.
The group further alleged that the enforcement contradicts resolutions of the House of Representatives following a public hearing in March 2024, which reportedly advised against the ban and described it as anti-people.
Nwanze warned that the policy could trigger economic disruptions and social unrest, arguing that it undermines the economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that the ban could adversely impact businesses, threaten jobs, and weaken investor confidence.
“The continued stay of the NAFDAC Director-General in office is no longer in the public interest,” he said. “Her actions are creating confusion and sending conflicting signals within government at a time when policy clarity is critical.”
The organisation maintained that sachet and small-volume alcoholic products were introduced to serve low-income consumers and should not be criminalised, stressing that such products provide affordability and choice for adult consumers.
It also dismissed claims linking sachet alcohol to abuse, arguing that smaller portions can help regulate consumption. The group added that manufacturers of such products operate under regulated and hygienic conditions, with certification from relevant authorities, including NAFDAC.
While acknowledging concerns about underage drinking, the organisation stated that industry stakeholders have invested significantly in campaigns promoting responsible consumption and restricting access to minors, reportedly spending over N1 billion on nationwide awareness initiatives.
The Centre warned that enforcing the ban could lead to the proliferation of illicit and substandard products, increase smuggling, and reduce government revenue from legitimate operators.
It urged the Federal Government to base regulatory decisions on empirical evidence rather than sentiment, cautioning that poorly implemented policies could have unintended consequences on livelihoods and the broader economy.
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action by removing Prof. Adeyeye from office, insisting that such a move is necessary to restore public trust and safeguard economic stability.
