MAN to Senate: Reverse NAFDAC’s Sachet Alcohol Ban or Risk ₦1.9 Trillion Investment Loss, 5 Million Jobs

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the National Assembly to rescind the recent directive by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) banning the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small PET bottles by December 31, 2025.

The association described the decision as “unilateral, unfair, and economically damaging,” warning that it could lead to the loss of over ₦1.9 trillion in investments, half a million direct jobs, and approximately five million indirect jobs across Nigeria’s beverage and manufacturing value chain.

Speaking in Lagos, the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the Senate’s reported approval of NAFDAC’s directive contradicts earlier agreements reached among key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, industry players, and consumer protection agencies.

“It is disturbing that this sudden development ignores previously established resolutions and disregards the House of Representatives’ position, which favoured a phased and regulated approach over an outright ban,” Ajayi-Kadir stated.

He recalled that the Ministry of Health had earlier granted a one-year extension to allow stakeholders validate the National Alcohol Policy, finalized in October 2025. That policy, he said, provided a balanced, multi-sectoral roadmap to curb alcohol abuse while supporting legitimate business operations.

Agreed Stakeholder Framework Ignored

According to MAN, the validated policy recommended:

• Stronger enforcement by security agencies to regulate alcohol distribution;
• Establishment of licensed liquor outlets in all local government areas;
• Increased monitoring by NAFDAC and the FCCPC to ensure product safety and quality;
• Sustained enlightenment campaigns in schools and public spaces to discourage underage drinking.

Ajayi-Kadir expressed disappointment that NAFDAC allegedly bypassed this process to independently seek legislative backing for a ban.

“This approach undermines collaboration. NAFDAC was part of the validation process led by the Ministry of Health. It should have presented its position during those deliberations instead of proceeding unilaterally to the Senate,” he said.

Massive Economic Fallout Looms

MAN warned that enforcing the ban would cripple the already fragile economy by:

• Wiping out ₦1.9 trillion worth of industry investments;
• Forcing over 500,000 direct employees and 5 million indirect workers out of jobs;
• Reducing manufacturing capacity utilization; and
• Undermining indigenous entrepreneurship.

Ajayi-Kadir further questioned the logic of banning sachet alcohol, noting that small-volume packaging offers affordable and safer consumption options for low-income adults.

“Small portions actually discourage excessive drinking and serve a legitimate market segment,” he explained.

Illicit Market Threat and Smuggling Risks

MAN cautioned that banning legitimate, regulated sachet alcohol products would push consumers toward unregulated and dangerous alternatives, while also encouraging smuggling of foreign alcohol brands.

“Once demand exists, prohibition only fuels illegal production. Effective regulation and education—not a blanket ban—are the sustainable solutions,” Ajayi-Kadir emphasized.

The association highlighted that the alcoholic beverages sector has spent over ₦1 billion on public awareness campaigns promoting responsible drinking and discouraging underage consumption, demonstrating its commitment to safety and compliance.

Appeal for Policy Reversal

Ajayi-Kadir urged the Senate to rescind its directive and instead support the implementation of the National Alcohol Policy, which balances public health objectives with economic realities.

“MAN supports removing unsafe products from the market, but decisions must be data-driven, not emotional. The proposed ban will destroy jobs, shrink investments, and weaken local manufacturing,” he said.

He reaffirmed MAN’s commitment to working with regulators to ensure responsible production, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Nigeria.

• The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) calls on the Senate to reverse NAFDAC’s ban on sachet and small PET alcohol, warning of ₦1.9 trillion in lost investments, 5 million jobs at risk, and the rise of illicit trade.