Sachet alcohol sellers in Ibadan, Oyo State, staged a peaceful protest on Monday, August 10, 2026, calling on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to lift the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers below 200ml.

The protesters said the policy was threatening their livelihoods and making it difficult for many traders, particularly women, to support their families.

Traders Take Protest to Ibadan Streets

Video footage shared by local outlets, including Oyo Affairs, showed mostly women traders marching through the streets with placards while chanting and clapping.

Some protesters spoke to journalists from TVC News and other outlets about the impact of the ban. One woman said the restriction had affected her ability to provide for her family and pay her children’s school fees.

Other participants, including older and younger male traders, also complained about the economic difficulties caused by enforcement of the policy.

Sellers Say Ban Threatens Livelihoods

The protesters, operating under local associations of sachet alcohol sellers, said the trade remains their main source of income.

Similar protests by manufacturers, workers and traders have been held in other parts of Nigeria this year, with participants warning that the ban could lead to job losses and hurt small businesses across the alcohol value chain.

Traders have also argued that the policy disproportionately affects low-income sellers, widows and families that depend on daily sales for survival.

NAFDAC Defends Alcohol Ban

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has continued to defend the ban on public health grounds.

The policy prohibits the production, distribution and sale of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets or PET and glass bottles below 200ml.

NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye has said the restriction is intended to reduce access to high-concentration alcohol among children and adolescents. The agency has also carried out raids, seizures and factory closures as enforcement intensified.

NAFDAC said a multi-year transition period granted to the industry had expired and maintained that the ban is not open to negotiation. However, the production and sale of alcohol in larger containers remain permitted.

Government Yet to Respond to Ibadan Protest

The latest demonstration adds to growing resistance from traders and industry stakeholders who want the Federal Government to reconsider the policy.

NAFDAC has maintained that violators will face sanctions and has urged manufacturers, distributors and sellers to comply with the regulation.

No immediate response from the Presidency specifically addressing Monday’s protest in Ibadan had been reported.