My article on the above topic, published today, Monday, 26 January 2026, on News Chronicles, is already generating a volume of reactions that should neither be ignored nor overlooked. These responses are valuable in our collective pursuit of validation, progress, and informed judgment drawn from diverse opinions, lived experiences, and careful observation, the elements that help shape outcomes of merit, public expectations and benefits
From the samples of opinions compiled below, with more still coming in, it becomes increasingly difficult to agree with the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). When alcohol is packaged and distributed in sachets as casually and widely as sachet water, it is unrealistic to expect peace, discipline, and productivity to thrive. Alcohol, by its very nature, demands stricter regulation, not increased accessibility.
Below are some of the reactions received:
(1) I was greatly elated to learn this from you. My two-week hustling visit to Lagos left me in constant amazement. At almost every junction, I encountered sachet alcohol sellers operating in groups, with some even hawking it openly as though it were an entirely normal commodity.
It was during that visit that I first became aware of the existence of sachet alcohol. I became familiar with a brand called “Jack,” not because I ever tasted it, but because it was everywhere, even appearing repeatedly in our workplace dustbins.
Thank you for your time and your humanitarian service, sir. 🙏
Jibrin
(2) To a large extent, this is a common sight in the South West, especially: Ogbomosho, Oyo, Ibadan, and Lagos. The most common gin I have observed recently is Chelsea. You find it at almost every junction and even in workplaces. People casually open their bags: men and women alike, and empty a sachet into their mouths.
One day, an agbero asked me to buy one for him. The look I gave him made him immediately step back. Some people would genuinely be shocked if you told them you do not drink gin.
Ibrahim Alhaji
(3) My recent personal experience shows that “All Barracks” mammy markets openly hawk small bottles and sachets of alcohol. This was my first experience in Sokoto, where Christians and some Muslims consume sachets and small bottles of alcohol, sometimes alongside green bottles.
My findings indicate that due to the high cost of bottled drinks, many youths and even older people prefer sachets or small bottles of ogogoro. Some dilute it; others take it first thing in the morning. I also observed that within the mammy market, there is a large shop selling only red wines, patronised mainly by middle- and upper-class individuals.
I spoke with a retired Muslim soldier who explained how postings across different states influenced his lifestyle. He noted that most Muslims who drink are retired military personnel. In a settlement in Sokoto known as Raymond Village, some of the most hardened individuals openly patronise all kinds of alcohol in broad daylight.
Pharm Lazo
(4) I had a similar experience when I travelled to Umuahia, the capital of Abia State. I was astonished to see sachet alcohol competing directly with sachet water. At nearly every point, roadside traders sold sachet alcohol. It was truly an eye-opener for me.
Thank you for your selfless service, sir.
Abubakar Ahmad Sufi
(5) I have been in Lagos for about three months now and share the same concern about alcohol rapidly becoming a normal commodity. It is sold at almost every junction, bus stop, and, surprisingly, as an add-on product at POS points.
If this trend continues unchecked, we may one day wake up to an alarmingly high incidence of renal failure and other alcohol-related health crises. Well done, Bagudu.
Abdulganiyu Adekunle
Compiled by Bagudu Mohammed
bagudumohammed15197@gmail.com
