MEMBERS of the Food Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association, a branch of the Trade Union Congress, the National Union of Food Beverage and Tobacco Employees, and the Nigerian Labour Congress paid a solidarity visit to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
This was in protest against the ban on the production of alcohol in sachets and PET bottles of less than 200ml by NAFDAC.
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The unions expressed their displeasure with the enforcement of the ban, stating it is unkind, illegitimate, and a threat to their livelihood.
They emphasized that the act is uncharitable, given the current economic challenges.
The DG of MAN welcomed the protesters and appreciated their peaceful approach.
He agreed that the government needs to consider the human impact of its policies.
” …The RENEWED HOPE AGENDA of Mr. President cannot be served by getting people out of jobs. “
He stated that the production of alcoholic beverages is legal, and the claim that underage individuals consume the products due to the small packaging lacks empirical data.
He assured the protesters that MAN supports their cause and has issued a press release urging NAFDAC and the government to reconsider their position.
He highlighted that manufacturers have spent more than a billion naira in the last five years on campaigns that NAFDAC should have conducted.
The DG emphasized that the two critical desires expressed by the stakeholders were to prevent underage access to the product and to allow businesses to survive.
He assured the unions that the association would do its best to persuade the relevant authorities to reconsider the ban.
He concluded by appreciating the unions for their commitment to protecting Nigerian jobs and further highlighted that The RENEWED HOPE AGENDA of Mr. President cannot be served by getting people out of jobs.