The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has appealed to the Federal Government to reverse its decision to ban the production and sale of alcoholic drinks in sachets and small PET bottles by December 31, 2025.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Lagos, MAN’s Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, warned that the policy could cripple local industries, discourage indigenous entrepreneurship, and worsen the country’s fragile economy.

Ajayi-Kadir said the directive by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) contradicts earlier agreements reached between the government and industry stakeholders.

“We urge the Senate to reverse the ban on sachet alcoholic beverages and restrain NAFDAC from enforcing it from December 31, 2025,” he said.

NAFDAC had announced that the ban was aimed at reducing the misuse of cheap alcoholic drinks, especially among youths and commercial drivers. However, Ajayi-Kadir said that several independent studies conducted by the government had disproved claims that minors were abusing such products.

He explained that the industry had, despite the findings, continued to promote responsible drinking campaigns and discourage underage consumption.

The MAN DG warned that the policy could lead to the loss of over ₦1.9 trillion in investments and massive job cuts—about 500,000 direct workers and five million indirect employees.

According to him, the move would also reduce capacity utilisation in the manufacturing sector, which had only recently started to recover, particularly in the food and beverages industry.

Ajayi-Kadir emphasised that locally produced sachet alcohol is made under hygienic conditions and certified by regulatory authorities. He cautioned that an outright ban could encourage the circulation of illicit and unregulated alcoholic drinks, resulting in potential health risks and government revenue losses.

He further warned that the policy could open up the market to foreign brands, many of which are smuggled into the country, thereby hurting local manufacturers.

“We therefore appeal for the swift approval and implementation of the validated Nigeria National Alcohol Policy and its multi-sectoral framework,” he said.

Ajayi-Kadir assured that MAN remains committed to ensuring that its members comply with all regulations and continue to promote responsible consumption.

(NAN)