NAFDAC Clarifies: No Government Directive to Halt Sachet Alcohol Enforcement

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismissed reports claiming that the Federal Government ordered a suspension of its enforcement activities against sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic beverages, describing the reports as “false and misleading.”

In a statement signed by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency clarified that it has not received any formal communication from the Federal Government instructing it to halt regulatory or enforcement operations. NAFDAC stressed that all its actions are carried out within its statutory mandate and guided by existing laws and official government directives.

“The said publication is false, misleading, and does not reflect any official communication received by the Agency from the Federal Government,” the statement read. Prof. Adeyeye reiterated that enforcement of regulations on sachet alcohol remains active and any changes to national regulatory policies would be officially communicated through authorised channels.

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NAFDAC warned that the spread of unverified information can cause public confusion, economic uncertainty, and misinterpretation of government policy. The agency urged the public, industry stakeholders, and the media to rely only on verified information released via its official platforms and government communication channels.

The clarification comes amid ongoing concerns over the public health risks of sachet alcohol, which has been associated with poisoning incidents and misuse, particularly among young people. NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to protecting public health, ensuring compliance in the food and beverage sector, and maintaining national interest while carrying out its regulatory duties.

The agency’s statement underscores that all enforcement operations targeting unsafe alcohol products will continue without interruption, aiming to safeguard consumers and uphold public safety.

NAFDAC Clarifies: No Government Directive to Halt Sachet Alcohol Enforcement

FG Ends ‘No Work, No Pay’, Clears January Salaries After 84-Day JOHESU Strike

The Federal Government has officially lifted the “No Work, No Pay” directive imposed during the 84-day nationwide strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries for all affected health workers.

The decision followed the suspension of the industrial action after a successful conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and JOHESU leadership, prompting the union to direct its members nationwide to resume work in the interest of patients, health system stability, and national public health security.

In a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the resolution reflects the government’s commitment to dialogue, fairness, and the protection of Nigeria’s health workforce.

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“The Federal Government remains fully committed to the welfare, dignity, and professional advancement of all health workers across Nigeria. This resolution demonstrates that dialogue, mutual respect, and good faith remain the most effective tools for resolving industrial disputes in our health sector,” Salako said.

The minister acknowledged the sacrifices made by health workers during the prolonged strike and assured JOHESU members that no worker would be victimised, sanctioned, or intimidated for participating in the action.

“Government has therefore approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries and assures all JOHESU members that no reprisal will follow the industrial action,” he added.

Salako further reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustained engagement with health sector unions, noting that discussions would continue on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and outstanding issues relating to the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

He disclosed that the Federal Government has committed to making provisions for the proposed salary adjustments in the 2026 Appropriation Act, in line with the recommendations of the existing technical committee template.

“The inclusion of salary adjustment provisions in the 2026 budget framework reflects our seriousness about achieving sustainable solutions for the health workforce through concrete policy and budgetary actions,” the minister stated.

He commended the spirit of cooperation and patriotism displayed by all parties throughout the negotiation process and reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to uninterrupted, quality, and accessible healthcare services nationwide.

FG Ends ‘No Work, No Pay’, Clears January Salaries After 84-Day JOHESU Strike

Patients Bear Brunt as Lagos Health Workers Extend Indefinite Strike

Patients across Lagos State are facing increasing hardship as public hospitals and health facilities continue to experience service disruptions following the extension of the strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Lagos State Branch.

From Ikeja to Badagry, Epe to Ikorodu, patients seeking care in government-owned hospitals have been left stranded, with many either turning to costly private facilities or postponing treatment altogether as the industrial action enters another phase.

JOHESU, which represents non-physician and non-nursing healthcare professionals in Lagos public hospitals, said the decision to sustain the strike stems from the Lagos State Government’s failure to provide concrete, time-bound commitments on long-standing issues related to equity, remuneration, and professional recognition.

At a briefing, the State Chairman of JOHESU, Adelaja Gbadamosi, accused the Lagos government of injustice and blamed “powerful interests” for blocking health reforms in the state. He stated, “JOHESU in Lagos rejects empty promises.”

Represented by the union’s Secretary, Kabiawu Gbolahan, Gbadamosi explained that the union joined the national strike on December 2, 2025, after prolonged negotiations with the state government failed to yield tangible results.

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“Our members are fully aware of the hardship this action is causing Lagosians, but the neglect of our legitimate demands left us with no other option,” he said.

The union’s demands include:

• Recognition and appropriate remuneration of consultant pharmacists
• Establishment of autonomous Departments of Medical Laboratory Services in Lagos health institutions
• Provision of staff buses for healthcare workers
• Implementation of revised call-duty and shift allowances
• Extension of retention allowances to all healthcare professionals

JOHESU also criticised what it described as discriminatory practices in the selective payment of retention allowances to only a few cadres of health workers, warning that such policies deepen inequality within the system and contribute to the mass migration of health professionals from the state.

While noting that the Federal Government has taken steps to address similar issues at the national level—including payment of withheld salaries and assurances against victimisation—the union expressed disappointment that Lagos State has yet to demonstrate a comparable level of commitment.

The union further alleged that attempts to promote professional equity and autonomy in Lagos hospitals had been blocked by entrenched interests, insisting that healthcare delivery cannot thrive when some professionals are treated as second-class citizens.

As residents continue to feel the impact of the strike, JOHESU called on the Lagos State Government to urgently intervene, demonstrate genuine commitment to resolving the dispute, and implement previously agreed resolutions without further delay.

Despite the ongoing strike, the union reaffirmed its readiness to return to negotiations once meaningful and sincere steps are taken by the government, stressing that resolving the crisis is critical not only for workers’ welfare but also for the health and well-being of millions of Lagosians who depend on public healthcare services.

Patients Bear Brunt as Lagos Health Workers Extend Indefinite Strike