The Rebirth Movement Nigeria has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government over what it described as “clandestine and unlawful activities” by the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, particularly concerning the enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottled alcoholic products.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the group’s President, Comrade Johnson Kolawole Michael, alleged that the enforcement of the ban violates existing national policies and directives of the Federal Government.

He stated that the move contravenes the National Alcohol Policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and disregards a presidential directive restraining NAFDAC from disrupting affected businesses pending the outcome of a joint committee review.

The group further argued that the decision runs contrary to resolutions of the House of Representatives, which had earlier advised against such a ban following stakeholder consultations and a public hearing. According to the group, the House described the proposed restriction as “anti-people.”

Comrade Michael warned that the continued enforcement of the ban could trigger widespread civil unrest and negatively impact Nigeria’s fragile economic environment. He noted that the policy could lead to massive job losses across the alcohol production value chain, disrupt legitimate businesses, and reduce government revenue.

“The timing and manner of this enforcement are not only counterproductive but capable of undermining the economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

The group maintained that sachet and small-volume alcohol products were introduced to cater to low-income adult consumers and should not be arbitrarily removed without empirical justification. It also rejected claims that such products encourage abuse, arguing instead that smaller packaging may help moderate consumption.

Rebirth Movement Nigeria further cautioned that banning regulated products could open the market to illicit, substandard, and smuggled alternatives, thereby posing greater public health and economic risks.

While expressing support for efforts to eliminate unsafe products, the group emphasized that regulatory decisions must be evidence-based and not driven by “emotional persuasion or unverified claims.”

The group called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to urgently intervene by ordering an immediate suspension of the enforcement to prevent escalation of tensions.

The group issued a stern warning that failure to halt the enforcement could result in “grave unintended consequences,” including economic disruption, loss of livelihoods, and potential social unrest.

It urged the Federal Government to “call the NAFDAC DG to order,” insisting that the current actions are not in the public interest and could undermine confidence in government policies.

The press conference concluded with a call for dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to due process in resolving the matter.

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 what it described as “gross incompetence and abuse of public office.”

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the group’s Executive Director, Amb. Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze, strongly criticised NAFDAC’s enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products, describing the move as “illegal, arbitrary, and economically dangerous.”

The group argued that the enforcement violates the existing National Alcohol Policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and contradicts a presidential directive restraining the agency from disrupting affected businesses pending the outcome of a joint committee review.

According to Nwanze, the decision also disregards resolutions of the House of Representatives, which had earlier asked NAFDAC to halt the ban after consultations with stakeholders, describing the policy as anti-people.

He warned that the action could trigger widespread economic disruption and social unrest, noting that thousands of jobs and livelihoods across the alcohol production value chain are at risk.

“The timing of this policy is not only insensitive but also counterproductive to the economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It threatens businesses, undermines investor confidence, and paints the government in a negative light,” he said.

The group further dismissed claims that sachet alcohol promotes abuse, arguing instead that smaller packaging discourages excessive consumption compared to larger bottles. It added that products in the category are produced under regulated and hygienic conditions, with certification from relevant authorities, including NAFDAC.

It also questioned the basis of the ban, describing claims of widespread abuse by minors as “unsubstantiated and unsupported by credible empirical evidence.” The group noted that industry players have invested heavily in campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption and restricting underage access.

While expressing support for policies aimed at eliminating unsafe products from the market, the organisation insisted that such measures must be evidence-based and not driven by sentiment.

The group further warned that enforcing the ban could lead to unintended consequences, including the proliferation of illicit and unregulated alcoholic products, increased smuggling, and significant revenue losses for the government.

“This decision will open the floodgates for substandard products, weaken regulatory control, and deny the government critical revenue streams, while also limiting consumer choice, particularly for low-income earners,” Nwanze stated.

He, therefore, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “wield the big stick” by removing the NAFDAC DG without delay, insisting that her continued stay in office is no longer in the public interest.

The group maintained that reversing the policy and ensuring regulatory alignment with existing laws and directives would better serve both economic stability and public welfare.

The Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger ties with the media following a dinner hosted by its Director, Yang Jianxing, for the Executive Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council.

The NUJ delegation was led by its Chairman, Grace Ike, in what was described as a warm and engaging evening aimed at strengthening collaboration and mutual understanding.

Speaking during the event, both parties emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and cultural exchange in building productive relationships between institutions. The gathering provided a platform to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation between the Centre and the media in the Federal Capital Territory.

The dinner featured moments of interaction, shared experiences, and discussions centered on promoting cultural diplomacy and responsible journalism.

Participants described the event as a night of meaningful engagement, noting that it reinforced a renewed commitment to partnership and collaboration.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen strategic bilateral relations between the Chinese mission in Nigeria and the media community in the FCT.