The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concerns over the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s (NAFDAC) directive to ban the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small PET bottles by December 31, 2025.
In a statement, MAN argues that this move contradicts the stakeholders’ agreement on the National Alcohol Policy and would have severe economic implications.
MAN’s Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, emphasised that the decision to ban sachet alcoholic beverages was made without adequate stakeholder consultation.
He noted that the House of Representatives had previously considered and validated the draft National Alcohol Policy, which recommends multi-sectoral action plans, tightening of enforcement, and establishment of licensed liquor stores.
Ajayi-Kadir warned that the ban would lead to significant economic losses, including over N1.9 trillion in investment, mass retrenchment of over 500,000 direct employees, and reduction in capacity utilization in manufacturing.
He urged the Senate to rescind the order and for NAFDAC to be restrained from implementing the ban.
MAN proposes the implementation of the validated National Alcohol Policy, which focuses on regulation, monitoring, and enlightenment campaigns to educate stakeholders and the general public on the dangers of underage consumption and abuse of alcohol.
The Association believes that effective control and regulation, rather than a ban, is the most sustainable way to manage access to alcoholic beverages.
MAN reiterates its commitment to working closely with its members to adhere to all regulations and standards.
The Association urges the government to consider the economic implications of the ban and to prioritise stakeholder consultation and collaboration in policymaking.
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