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Tension Rises As Government Targets Sachet Drinks Blamed For Youth Addiction.

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8 months ago

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Mixed reactions have continued to trail the Federal Government’s renewed move to enforce the ban on the production of alcoholic drinks in sachets and small bottles across Nigeria. The initiative, which first surfaced in 2018, has remained controversial, with many Nigerians expressing discomfort over the planned phase-out.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Nivo News, the proposal initially generated widespread public criticism, prompting the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, NAFDAC, and industry groups such as the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers to sign a five-year memorandum of understanding to gradually eliminate the products. Despite this, implementation was repeatedly postponed, largely due to intense lobbying by manufacturers who sought to delay the full rollout of the policy.

However, renewed pressure emerged last week when the Senate instructed NAFDAC not to shift the December 31, 2025, deadline for ending the production of sachet and small-bottle alcoholic beverages. The directive followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who stressed that the measure aligns with global best practices aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.

Ekpenyong reminded lawmakers that although a one-year moratorium was granted in 2024 to allow manufacturers exhaust old stock and adjust their production systems, some producers were now lobbying for yet another extension. He warned that granting additional concessions would weaken regulatory authority, endanger public health, and keep harmful products circulating in the market. He further noted that cheap, high-strength alcoholic drinks in sachets had contributed to addiction, impaired cognitive development, school dropout cases, domestic violence, and increased road accidents—especially among commercial drivers and young people.

Several senators backed the call for stricter regulation, with Senator Anthony Ani describing the uncontrolled availability of cheap alcohol as a worsening social menace. Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled that enforcing the ban was essential to safeguarding the health and future of young Nigerians, urging NAFDAC to implement the deadline without fail.

Following the Senate’s resolution, NAFDAC reaffirmed its readiness to begin strict enforcement in December. In a statement issued by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency emphasized that the directive aligns with its mandate to protect public health and shield vulnerable groups—including children and adolescents—from harmful alcohol consumption. Adeyeye stressed that sachet alcohol products, due to their low cost and concealability, had fueled addiction and contributed to various societal problems such as domestic violence, school dropouts, and road accidents.

She clarified that the regulation applies only to spirit drinks packaged in sachets and bottles below 200ml, urging manufacturers and distributors to comply fully with the phase-out timeline, noting that no further extension would be entertained. She added that the measure is backed by scientific evidence, stressing that the health and well-being of Nigerians cannot be compromised for short-term economic interests.

The ongoing debate has also drawn reactions from business owners, manufacturers, and consumers. Many producers and retailers argue that the policy threatens their livelihoods. A trader, Mrs. Bukola Jaiyeloba, lamented that the ban would negatively impact low-income consumers who depend on cheaper alternatives to enjoy themselves. She appealed to the government to reconsider, warning that the policy could push young people toward illicit drugs, which she said pose an even greater danger.

Consumers at popular drinking spots also voiced frustration, accusing the government of focusing on sachet alcohol while seemingly ignoring the widespread sale and use of hard drugs. One consumer at a Mile 2 drinking joint said the ban would only make life harder for ordinary Nigerians, insisting that people would simply find alternative ways to continue drinking, such as pooling money to buy larger bottles and sharing.

He added that if the government was concerned about health risks, it should place the same restrictions on larger bottles, arguing that the contents are the same. He insisted that Nigerians would adapt regardless of the new regulation, saying the poor would always find a way to survive despite policies that make life more difficult.

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Security Breach Scandal! Peter Obi Accused Of Orchestrating Identity Fraud At International Airport!.

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9 hours ago

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July 17, 2026

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A petition dated July 12, 2026, has been submitted to Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding serious security allegations. An anonymous individual, identifying as an aviation industry worker, is calling for a formal investigation into claims that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), facilitated travel for a media aide using multiple identities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

  • Circumventing Restrictions: The petitioner claims that Obi’s media aide was previously barred from flying with Air Peace due to alleged misconduct but continued to travel on the airline using different names.

  • Obi’s Alleged Involvement: The petition alleges that Obi repeatedly made arrangements to help the aide evade these airline restrictions and often accompanied her on these flights.

  • Interference with Security: It is further alleged that when traveling with this aide, Obi prevented airport staff from performing necessary identity verification procedures.

  • Evidence Cited: The petitioner claims to have attached evidence of flight tickets and Passenger Name Records (PNR) to the document to support these claims.

  • Safety Concerns: The document argues that these actions compromise aviation security and undermine the ability of airlines to enforce safety and identification protocols.

As of the report’s filing, these allegations remain unverified, and Peter Obi has not issued a public response.

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From Rivals To Rescue? Keyamo Stuns Public With Offer To Settle Peter Obi’s Airport Debt!.

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9 hours ago

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July 17, 2026

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Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has agreed to a proposal by Mr. Nnaemeka Ikerionwu to pay the ₦25,000 airport parking fine issued to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

  • Origin of the Fine: The fine was imposed after Peter Obi allegedly violated parking regulations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

  • Context of the Dispute: Keyamo previously issued a seven-day ultimatum for Obi to pay the fine and publicly apologize to airport staff following claims Obi made in a podcast interview that he was being targeted and harassed at the airport.

  • Evidence Provided: To address Obi’s allegations of unfair treatment, Keyamo released CCTV footage showing the moment the parking violation occurred.

  • Resolution and Reaction:

    • Following an offer to pay the fine by Ikerionwu, Keyamo instructed him to contact the Director of Commercial and Business Development at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to arrange payment.

    • Despite accepting the payment, Keyamo still expects an apology from Obi to the airport officials.

    • Keyamo stated that the ministry successfully refuted Obi’s claims and warned the candidate to avoid making “outlandish” statements in the future intended to secure “sympathy votes”.

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Nationwide Renaming Spree! Major Landmarks Across Nigeria Now Bear President Tinubu’s Name!.

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9 hours ago

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July 17, 2026

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The Federal Government has officially renamed the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway. Minister of Works David Umahi explained that this decision honors the President, noting that the project’s original vision began nearly 30 years ago during Tinubu’s time as the Governor of Lagos State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This recent renaming, announced on July 16, 2026, joins a significant and growing list of public assets and institutions that have been named or established in President Tinubu’s honor since he took office in May 2023.

Public Assets Named After President Tinubu

  • Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna: In March 2024, the airport—formerly the Abubakar Imam International Airport—was renamed by Governor Umar Bago to acknowledge the President’s support for Niger State.

  • Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, Abuja: Following its reconstruction in May 2024, the Abuja Southern Parkway, which connects the Christian Centre to Ring Road One, was renamed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

  • Bola Tinubu Building (National Assembly Library): Inaugurated by the President in May 2024, this newly completed library was named in his honor by the National Assembly.

  • Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC): Formerly the Nigeria Immigration Service command and control centre, this facility was renamed in December 2024 to serve as a hub for border security and technological innovation.

  • Bola Ahmed Tinubu Polytechnic, Gwarinpa: Established in January 2025 by the Federal Government, this institution focuses on entrepreneurial, vocational, and technical education.

  • Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks, Asokoro: Named by the Nigerian Army in January 2025, this new military facility features operational infrastructure, residential quarters, and sporting amenities.

  • Tinubu International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja: Following comprehensive renovations, the Abuja International Conference Centre was renamed in June 2025 by the FCT Administration.

With the inclusion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, at least eight major public facilities or infrastructure projects have been renamed or established to bear the President’s name during his administration.

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