Sachet alcohol sellers in Ibadan, Oyo State, have staged a peaceful protest, calling on the Federal Government to lift the ban on the sale of sachet alcohol and alcoholic products packaged in containers below 20cl.
The traders gathered in the Beere area of Ibadan to express concerns over the impact of the policy on their businesses, livelihoods and daily income. They said the sale of sachet alcohol had been their main source of livelihood for several years.
The protesters explained that proceeds from the business enabled them to support their families and meet their financial responsibilities. They, however, said the ban had significantly affected their income, leaving many of them struggling to survive.
The traders appealed to the Federal Government and relevant regulatory authorities to reconsider the policy, arguing that its economic impact on small-scale businesses should be taken into consideration.
They also called for dialogue between the government and affected stakeholders to find a solution that would address public health concerns associated with alcohol consumption while protecting the livelihoods of small-scale traders.
The protesters urged the authorities to create an opportunity for affected sellers to resume their businesses, stressing that a balanced approach could protect both public health and the economic interests of traders.
