Activities at the Lagos office of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control were disrupted after union members blocked workers from entering the building.

The protest was carried out by members of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees, who are unhappy with NAFDAC’s continued enforcement of the ban on sachet and small bottled alcoholic drinks.

Workers who came early to resume duty were forced to wait outside as the gates were locked by protesters. The union says the ban has led to factory closures and job losses, and they fear it could hurt the industry if it continues.

According to the protesters, they believe the Federal Government had asked NAFDAC to pause the enforcement of the ban, but the agency insists it has not received any such instruction and will continue with its policy.

Later in the day, police officers arrived at the scene, and the gates were eventually opened so staff could enter the premises. Talks were held between NAFDAC officials and union leaders, but no agreement was reached.

The union wants NAFDAC to relax the ban and instead focus on controlling who buys alcohol, especially preventing sales to minors, while also educating the public about responsible drinking.

For now, the protesters say they will continue to press their demands, while the dispute keeps raising bigger questions about public health, jobs, and how far regulation should go.