MAN urges FG to rescind NAFDAC’s sachet alcohol ban, citing economic risks and stakeholder consensus

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised serious concerns over the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s (NAFDAC) recent directive to ban the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small PET bottles, set to take effect by December 31, 2025. The directive follows a resolution reportedly passed by the Senate during its sitting on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Speaking on behalf of the industry, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General of MAN, described the development as a sharp departure from the multi-stakeholder efforts previously undertaken and a direct contradiction of the House of Representatives’ stance on the matter.

He emphasized that the Ministry of Health had earlier recommended a one-year extension to allow for validation of the draft National Alcohol Policy, which was carefully reviewed and endorsed by all stakeholders in October 2025. According to Ajayi-Kadir, the Senate’s decision to issue an outright ban bypassed this inclusive process, undermining prior consensus and disregarding essential stakeholder consultation.

“We believe that public hearings or focused consultations should have preceded any decision of such magnitude, as was painstakingly done by the House of Representatives,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

Stakeholder-Validated Policy Recommendations

Ajayi-Kadir highlighted that the National Alcohol Policy, validated by an enlarged committee of stakeholders including NAFDAC representatives, contained the following recommendations:

Implementation of multi-sectoral action plans to address responsible alcohol consumption.

Enhanced enforcement by law enforcement agencies.

Establishment of licensed liquor outlets across local government areas.

Increased monitoring and compliance checks to ensure product quality and safety.

Regulatory focus on education campaigns to curb underage drinking, particularly in secondary schools and public spaces.

He noted that studies cited in support of the ban regarding underage alcohol abuse had been dismissed by empirical government research. Nonetheless, the industry had already invested over N1 billion in nationwide campaigns promoting responsible consumption, which have successfully discouraged underage drinking.

Economic Risks of the Ban

MAN warned that the Senate’s directive could have severe consequences for the Nigerian economy, particularly given the recent strides made in stabilizing manufacturing:

Loss of N1.9 trillion in domestic investment, largely contributed by indigenous companies.

Potential job losses exceeding 500,000 direct employees, and 5 million indirect jobs across logistics, marketing, and related sectors.

Reduced capacity utilization in manufacturing, which had been gradually recovering.

Possible decline of indigenous businesses, threatening local entrepreneurship.

Ajayi-Kadir argued that alcohol sold in sachets serves adults with limited budgets, allowing them to exercise consumer choice. Small portion packaging may even reduce the risk of excessive consumption, while also ensuring products are produced under regulated, hygienic conditions.

Public Health and Regulatory Considerations

He further cautioned that an outright ban could drive consumers to illicit and unsafe alternatives, which operate outside regulatory oversight, posing serious health risks. Moreover, it could result in foreign brands flooding the market, often through smuggling, undermining local producers and government revenue.

MAN called for an expedited endorsement and implementation of the validated National Alcohol Policy and its multi-sectoral framework, asserting that such structured regulation makes the proposed ban unnecessary.

“We urge the Senate to rescind the order on the ban and NAFDAC to refrain from implementing it,” Ajayi-Kadir said. “Sudden regulatory changes could jeopardize legitimate manufacturers, thousands of jobs, and informal value-chain operators across Nigeria.”

Commitment to Responsible Consumption

Ajayi-Kadir reassured that MAN continues to support removing unsafe products from the market, emphasizing that policy decisions should be evidence-based rather than reactionary.

“MAN remains committed to working closely with members producing alcoholic beverages in sachets to comply with regulations, ensure restricted access, prevent sales to minors, and promote responsible consumption,” he added.

The ongoing debate underscores the delicate balance between public health, regulatory oversight, and economic sustainability. MAN’s appeal to the Senate reflects the industry’s concern that well-intentioned but abrupt policy decisions could inadvertently threaten jobs, investments, and the growth of Nigeria’s domestic manufacturing sector.

As the deadline for the ban approaches, stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society will be watching closely to see whether a more collaborative, evidence-based approach can prevail, protecting both public health and economic interests.