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Abuja Protest Targets NAFDAC Boss as Group Condemns Alcohol Ban Enforcement
Members of the Centre for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa (CELCE-Africa) on Thursday staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Health headquarters in Abuja, calling for the immediate disengagement of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye.
Addressing journalists during a press conference at the ministry premises, the group accused the NAFDAC boss of what it described as “gross insensitivity to issues of national concern,” particularly over the agency’s enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products.
The group argued that the enforcement of the ban was hasty and inconsistent with the provisions of the National Alcohol Policy already adopted by the Federal Ministry of Health.
According to CELCE-Africa, the decision also contradicts a directive from the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu which, it said, advised the agency not to disrupt the operations of affected companies pending the outcome of a joint committee review.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Amb. Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze warned that the policy could lead to job losses and economic disruption within the alcohol production and distribution value chain.
He further referenced a resolution of the House of Representatives of Nigeria dated March 14, 2024, which restrained NAFDAC from proceeding with the ban after stakeholder consultations and a public hearing.
The group also criticised comments allegedly attributed to the NAFDAC Director-General linking alcohol consumption to banditry in Nigeria, describing the claim as misleading and lacking empirical evidence.
According to the organisation, Nigeria’s banditry crisis is driven by complex factors including organised criminal networks, proliferation of illegal arms, kidnapping activities and the abuse of hard drugs, rather than regulated alcoholic beverages.
CELCE-Africa said sachet and small PET alcohol products were introduced to provide affordable options for low-income adult consumers and warned that removing them from the market could encourage illicit production and cross-border smuggling.
The group maintained that while it supports strict regulation of unsafe and substandard products, government policies should be evidence-based and developed through broad consultation with stakeholders.
It also warned that the enforcement of the ban could threaten the livelihoods of thousands of Nigerians involved in the production, distribution and retail of alcoholic beverages.
The protesters therefore called on President Tinubu to urgently review the policy and consider removing the NAFDAC Director-General, arguing that her recent actions were no longer aligned with public interest.
Officials of NAFDAC had yet to respond to the protest as of the time of filing this report.
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Senator Mohammed Sani Musa Applauds President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Approving Reconstruction of Suleja–Minna Road
Distinguished Senator Mohammed Sani Musa has extended heartfelt appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for graciously approving the long-awaited reconstruction of the Suleja–Minna Road, a critical federal highway of immense economic and strategic importance to Niger State and the nation at large.
The Senator described the approval as a landmark intervention and a clear reflection of President Tinubu’s visionary leadership, responsiveness to the needs of Nigerians, and unwavering commitment to infrastructural transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Senator Musa, the Suleja–Minna Road serves as a vital gateway linking the Federal Capital Territory to several parts of the North-Central and Northern regions. Over the years, the condition of the road has posed serious challenges to motorists, commuters, traders, and security operations. With this decisive approval by Mr. President, a new chapter of safety, economic growth, and regional integration is set to unfold.
He commended President Tinubu for prioritizing projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians, noting that the administration continues to demonstrate courage, foresight, and a deep understanding of the nation’s infrastructural deficits.
“President Tinubu has once again proven himself as a leader who listens and acts. His commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure across the country speaks volumes about his dedication to national development and economic revitalization,” Senator Musa stated.
The Senator also specially commended the Executive Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for his relentless advocacy, strategic engagement, and continuous efforts in ensuring that this critical project became a reality. He noted that Governor Bago’s proactive leadership, consistent interface with the Federal Government, and unwavering commitment to infrastructural renewal in Niger State significantly contributed to the realization of the approval.
Senator Musa acknowledged that the synergy between the Federal Government and the Niger State Government reflects a shared vision for development and a strong partnership aimed at delivering tangible dividends of democracy to the people.
The reconstruction of the Suleja–Minna Road is expected to ease transportation burdens, reduce travel time, boost commercial activities, enhance security mobility, and create employment opportunities for local communities. It will also strengthen connectivity between Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory, thereby accelerating trade and investment prospects.
Senator Musa reassured the people of Niger East Senatorial District of his continued advocacy for impactful projects and pledged sustained collaboration with the Tinubu administration and the Niger State Government to ensure that more dividends of democracy reach the grassroots.
He concluded by praying for wisdom and strength for President Tinubu and Governor Bago as they continue to steer the nation and Niger State toward progress, stability, and prosperity.
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Policy Row Deepens as Group Demands Sack of NAFDAC DG Over Alcohol Ban
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), Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, accusing her of alleged incompetence and abuse of public office over the agency’s enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and small PET bottle alcoholic beverages.
At a press conference during a protest in Abuja on Wednesday, the group said the enforcement action by NAFDAC was arbitrary and contrary to existing regulatory and legislative directives guiding the alcoholic beverage sector in Nigeria.
Addressing journalists, the group’s representative, Ambassador Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze PhD, alleged that the agency’s move to enforce the ban on alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and 200ml PET bottles violates the National Alcohol Policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health.
According to the organisation, the decision also contradicts earlier resolutions of the House of Representatives, which reportedly advised the regulatory body to suspend enforcement actions on the matter pending further consultations with stakeholders.
The group further argued that the policy could negatively affect businesses, jobs, and investments in the alcohol manufacturing value chain, warning that it may also encourage the proliferation of illicit and unregulated alcoholic products in the market.
It also claimed that the ban could restrict consumer choice, particularly among low-income adult consumers who rely on smaller, more affordable packaging options.
“The decision to hastily enforce the ban is capable of causing economic disruption and creating unnecessary confusion within the sector,” the group said.
The organisation also disputed claims that sachet alcoholic beverages contribute significantly to alcohol abuse among minors, insisting that industry stakeholders have invested heavily in public campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption.
The advocacy group noted that manufacturers have spent substantial resources on awareness campaigns and media advocacy aimed at discouraging underage drinking and misuse of alcoholic products.
While expressing support for regulatory actions aimed at removing unsafe products from the market, the group urged authorities to ensure that such measures are based on empirical evidence and broad stakeholder engagement.
It therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and review the leadership of NAFDAC, arguing that the situation requires urgent attention in the interest of economic stability and policy consistency.
As of the time of filing this report, NAFDAC had not issued an official response to the allegations raised during the press conference.
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Tinubu Reappoints Abubakar Audi as NSCDC CG, Corps Erupts in Celebration Nationwide
There was wild jubilation across formations of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Friday following the reappointment of Commandant-General Abubakar Audi by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Officers and men of the corps reportedly broke into celebration at several state commands and the national headquarters in Abuja as news of the presidential approval filtered through. Many described the decision as a vote of confidence in Audi’s leadership and a testament to his commitment to strengthening the agency’s mandate.
In a statement confirming the reappointment, senior officials said the President’s decision was anchored on Audi’s “track record of professionalism, operational reforms, and renewed focus on critical national infrastructure protection.”
Since assuming office, Audi has overseen a series of internal reforms aimed at boosting discipline, enhancing personnel welfare, and improving inter-agency collaboration. Under his leadership, the corps intensified efforts against oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal mining, and other economic sabotage activities across the country.
Reacting to the development, some officers said the reappointment would provide continuity and stability at a time when the country faces complex security challenges.
“This is well deserved. The CG has worked tirelessly to reposition the corps and restore confidence in our operations,” a senior officer in Abuja said.
Stakeholders also expressed optimism that Audi’s renewed mandate would further strengthen the NSCDC’s capacity in community policing, disaster management, and the protection of critical national assets.
While thanking the President for the confidence reposed in him, Audi reaffirmed his commitment to deepening reforms, boosting morale within the ranks, and aligning the corps’ operations with the administration’s broader security and economic protection agenda.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, a key paramilitary agency under the Ministry of Interior, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding critical infrastructure, supporting disaster response efforts, and assisting other security agencies in maintaining law and order nationwide.
With his reappointment, observers say the corps is poised for a new phase of consolidation and operational efficiency in the years ahead.
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