Not less than 100 civil society groups held what they described as a ‘Let the poor live’ protest in Abuja to challenge the ban on sachet and PET bottles of alcoholic drinks by the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Led by the Coalition Against Economic Saboteurs, the groups lamented the new policy would further pile more problems on the economy as it may lead to the eventual shutdown of the industries producing these products.
They further decried alleged NAFDAC Director General Prof Moji Adeyeye was being used by multinationals to destroy small businesses in our local production and companies.
“Today, we address a matter of grave concern, the recent decision by the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojo Adeyeye, to ban the sale of beverages in small sachets.
Read Also: Civil society groups, widow seek justice for slain youth leader
”We view this policy as a direct assault on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, a move that will not only put countless citizens out of work but also exacerbate the existing problems of insecurity and unemployment in our nation,” Comrade Kabir Matazu said on behalf of the groups.
“We strongly condemn this ill-thought-out policy, which seems disconnected from the realities faced by the ordinary Nigerian citizens. NAFDAC leadership abandoned their core responsibility of focusing on issues that truly threaten the well-being of our people, such as the inflow of fake and substandard drugs, we find the Director General choosing to target a sector that provides employment for many Nigerians and serves the needs of millions of families.”
Omale also called on all stakeholders to unite against Adeyeye.