A coalition of civil society groups, yesterday, held ‘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 also called for the immediate sack of the NAFDAC DG, Prof. Christianah Adeyeye, for her anti-people policies.
The groups lamented that the new policy would further pile more problems on the Nigerian economy, as it might lead to the eventual shutdown of the industries producing the beverages.
They alleged that Adeyeye was being used by multinationals to destroy small businesses in the country.
“Today, we address a matter of grave concern, the recent decision by the DG of NAFDAC, Prof Adeyeye, to ban the sale of beverages in small sachets. We view this policy as a direct assault on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, a move that will not only take countless citizens out of work, but also exacerbate the existing problems of insecurity and unemployment in our nation.” Kabir Matazu said on behalf of the coalition.
Another member of the group, Ben Omale, called on all stakeholders to unite against the leadership of Adeyeye.
He added: “We demand her immediate suspension from office by the President to avert further damage to our economy, including job loss and business closure. NAFDAC must be led by someone, who prioritises the real issues affecting our nation’s health and economic stability.”
