The Food Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FBTSS) and the National Union of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employee (NUFBTE) have expressed concern that the prohibition of the sale and consumption of alcohol in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles will lead to the unemployment of over 500,000 workers.

Yesterday, the associations voiced their concerns during a protest at the Lagos office of the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Protesters, urging the Federal Government to preserve the jobs of 500,000 Nigerians, outlined various economic drawbacks of the proposed ban and appealed for a reconsideration of the decision.

According to the associations, this single measure has the potential to render over 500,000 breadwinners jobless, exacerbating the already saturated Nigerian labor market.

The associations expressed concern that this new policy could exacerbate problems in the Nigerian economy, potentially leading to the closure of industries producing these products.

Emmanuel Idogien, Vice Chairman of NUFBTE, Lagos Council, remarked during the protest, "Most of our jobs are at stake. Many companies will fold up, especially those local industries that serve as raw materials to the producers."

They emphasized that their employers have been compliant with the law and have fulfilled their social responsibilities by paying substantial taxes, amounting to billions of naira, thereby contributing to economic growth. Additionally, advocacy initiatives have been undertaken to educate the public on the risks of excessive consumption and underage drinking. They appealed to NAFDAC and the Federal Government to reconsider the complete ban on these products, suggesting instead the implementation of regulations and public awareness campaigns, rather than discarding the entire industry.

They expressed concerns that the ban might create opportunities for counterfeiters and illegal alcohol producers, leading to various health issues.