The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association has criticised the Federal Government’s ban on alcohol packaged in sachets and small bottles, describing the move as a blanket policy that could harm the economy.
The association’s Director General, Wale Smatt-Oyerinde, said this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Lagos, arguing that the ban would not address the underlying issues associated with alcohol abuse.
According to him, the policy could open new channels for smuggling, noting that Nigeria has over 1,000 unmanned entry and exit points. He warned that such developments would undermine regulatory efforts rather than strengthen them.
Smatt-Oyerinde said the ban poses a serious threat to the economy, as it could result in widespread job losses and discourage investment in the manufacturing and distribution sectors.
He questioned the government’s approach, asking whether it would not be more effective to strengthen social institutions, including schools and regulatory agencies, instead of imposing an outright ban.
“We are not worried about the rate of unemployment. We’re not worried about the business investment that will be lost. We’re not worried about the consequences of the message we are communicating to other investors,” he said.
He added that banning sachet alcohol would place additional pressure on law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the wider economy.
The NECA director general urged the government to intensify engagement with stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors and consumers, to arrive at solutions that would benefit all parties.
Smatt-Oyerinde also described 2025 as an eventful year for the association, noting that NECA worked closely with several government agencies to improve the business environment.
He acknowledged that the economic reforms introduced by the current administration had helped to achieve macroeconomic stability in 2025, expressing optimism that the gains would translate into improved living conditions for Nigerians in 2026.
He added that NECA would continue to work with organised labour to bridge gaps in areas of significant disparity.
“We will consolidate on the foundation of fiscal industrialisation that already exists and continue to engage the government to create an environment that will make the country more profitable, not just for those in government, but for Nigerians as a whole,” he said.
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