Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) has called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to reconsider its decision to ban the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets. The association, along with civil societies, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, and workers from various companies, protested at the agency's Lagos office. They argued that the ban would cripple investments and lead to job loss. The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions, urging the Federal Government to call the NAFDAC Chief to order in the interest of the nation's economy and the likely consequence of the decision on millions of Nigerians, whose means of livelihoods are connected with the sector. The executive secretary, Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association, a union under TUC, Comrade Solomon Adebosin, said the protest became necessary following the decision of NAFDAC to commence enforcement on the ban. He emphasized that proper regulation through access control and advocacy are globally accepted as a sustainable approach in resolving the imbroglio.