Health
Workers fault NAFDAC over closure of distilleries
By Olufemi Adediran
Workers of distillery companies in the Sango-Ota area of Ogun State have decried the prolonged closure of their factories by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control over the enforcement of the ban on the production of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate bottles below 200 millilitres.
The workers appealed to the Federal Government to intervene, lamenting that the closure of the factories had plunged hundreds of employees into hardship.
They made the appeal on Friday in a statement jointly signed by the Ogun State Chairman of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees, Oluwole Ajayi, and the Branch Chairman of the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association, Somefun Olamiye.
According to them, officials of NAFDAC visited major distillery companies around the Sango-Ota area on July 23 and shut down their factories.
They listed the affected companies as Nigerian Distillery Limited, Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Supreme Distillery and Euro Global Foods.
The workers also lamented that the continued shutdown had deprived them of their only source of livelihood.
While acknowledging NAFDAC’s responsibility to protect public health, the workers argued that the enforcement exercise was “unfairly punishing” innocent employees who had no role in the alleged regulatory violations.
“The continued sealing of our factories has denied hundreds of workers and their families the right to earn a lawful living. Many of us depend solely on our salaries for food, rent, school fees, healthcare and other basic needs. The prolonged closure has caused severe economic hardship, emotional distress and uncertainty.
“We are also disturbed by the heavy presence of security personnel around the factories. This has created fear and intimidation among workers who only want to return to work and contribute to the economy.
“We state clearly that workers are not criminals. We do not make company policy or regulatory decisions. We only report to work and earn an honest living. It is unfair for us to suffer for actions outside our control,” the statement read.
They called on NAFDAC and other relevant authorities to enforce regulations in a manner that safeguards public health without destroying workers’ livelihoods.
They further appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, industrial unions, civil society organisations and human rights groups to lend their support.
“Our goal is not to obstruct regulation. We seek fairness, justice and a balanced approach that protects both public interest and the welfare of Nigerian workers.
“We remain committed to peace, dialogue and the rule of law. We hope this matter is resolved quickly to end the suffering of innocent workers and their families,” the statement added.
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