- Manufacturers reject NAFDAC’s sachet alcohol ban, calling it unfair and sudden.
- They warn of N1.9 trillion losses and millions of jobs at risk nationwide.
- The association urges the Senate to uphold the validated National Alcohol Policy.
- NAFDAC’s decision, they say, could harm local businesses and boost smuggling.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed deep concern over the recent decision by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ban the production and sale of sachet alcoholic beverages and small PET bottles by December 31, 2025.
Speaking on behalf of manufacturers, the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, described the directive as shocking and counterproductive. He said it disregards ongoing efforts by stakeholders and contradicts the earlier extension approved by the Ministry of Health and validated through the National Alcohol Policy.
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Ajayi-Kadir argued that NAFDAC’s unilateral decision runs contrary to the House of Representatives’ position and undermines established consultations. He said the Senate should have engaged key industry stakeholders through public hearings or formal meetings before ordering such a sweeping ban.
According to him, issues around sachet alcohol were already reviewed and settled by a multi-sectoral committee involving NAFDAC and other agencies, which validated the National Alcohol Policy in October 2025. The committee, he said, had recommended stronger enforcement, better monitoring, and the creation of licensed liquor outlets across all Local Government Areas instead of a total ban.
Ajayi-Kadir explained that the industry has spent over ₦1 billion on responsible drinking campaigns aimed at discouraging underage drinking and promoting public awareness. He maintained that government-led research had already dismissed the claims of widespread alcohol abuse among minors.
He further criticised NAFDAC for bypassing due process, insisting the agency should have raised its concerns during the validation process rather than going directly to the National Assembly.
“The ban is extremely unfair and could destroy years of investment in the manufacturing sector,” he said. “It threatens jobs, discourages investors, and risks flooding the market with smuggled and unregulated alcohol products.”
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Ajayi-Kadir warned that the move could result in over 500,000 direct job losses and about five million indirect ones, in addition to shrinking local production and reducing government revenue. He urged the Senate to reverse the decision and instead support the full implementation of the Nigeria National Alcohol Policy, which promotes regulation and awareness instead of prohibition.
He appealed for policies that protect both public health and economic stability, stressing that “manufacturers are not against regulation, but any decision must be based on facts, not emotion.”
MAN reaffirmed its commitment to responsible manufacturing and compliance with all existing laws, promising continued efforts to discourage underage drinking and ensure responsible alcohol consumption.
