Calls Grow Louder for NAFDAC DG’s Sack Over Defiance of Government Directives

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

Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, the group’s Executive Director, Amb. Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze, condemned NAFDAC’s enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottled alcoholic products, describing the move as незакон, arbitrary, and contrary to existing national policies.

According to the group, the action violates the National Alcohol Policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and disregards a presidential directive restraining the agency from disrupting the operations of affected companies pending the outcome of a joint committee review.

The organisation further alleged that the enforcement contradicts resolutions of the House of Representatives issued after 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, noting that it undermines the economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He argued that the ban would negatively affect businesses, threaten jobs, and damage investor confidence in the country.

“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 group maintained that sachet and small-volume alcoholic products were introduced to cater to low-income consumers and should not be criminalised, insisting that such products provide affordability and choice for adult consumers.

It also dismissed claims that sachet alcohol promotes abuse, arguing instead that smaller portions help regulate consumption. The organisation added that producers of such beverages operate under regulated and hygienic conditions, with certification from appropriate authorities, including NAFDAC.

While acknowledging concerns about underage consumption, the group stated that industry players have invested heavily in campaigns promoting responsible drinking and restricting access to minors, reportedly spending over N1 billion on nationwide awareness initiatives.

The Centre warned that enforcing the ban could open the market to 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, stressing that poorly implemented policies could have unintended consequences on livelihoods and the broader economy.

The group ultimately called on President Tinubu to “wield the big stick” by removing Prof. Adeyeye from office without delay, insisting that decisive action was necessary to safeguard public trust and economic stability.