The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Federal Government and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to reverse the planned ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small PET bottles.
Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, described the move as shocking and economically dangerous.
He said the ban contradicts previous agreements reached among industry stakeholders and undermines the collaborative work already done to regulate alcohol consumption responsibly.
NAFDAC had announced that it would stop the production and sale of sachet and small-bottle alcoholic drinks from December 31, 2025, citing health and safety concerns.
The directive reportedly followed a resolution passed by the Senate on November 6, 2025.
Ajayi-Kadir said it was disturbing that the new directive ignored the position of the House of Representatives, which had supported a one-year extension to allow for better coordination with the Federal Ministry of Health.
He stressed that stakeholders had agreed during a validation meeting in October 2025 to adopt a multi-sectoral action plan rather than impose an outright ban.
The plan recommended tighter enforcement of existing laws, licensing of official liquor stores in local government areas, and stronger public awareness campaigns against underage drinking.
According to him, industry operators had already invested heavily in public education.
“We have spent over ₦1 billion on campaigns promoting responsible consumption and discouraging underage abuse,” Ajayi-Kadir said.
“It is unfair and economically reckless to ignore these efforts.”
The MAN chief argued that the Senate should have held a public hearing before taking such a far-reaching decision.
He also said that NAFDAC bypassed the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders by taking its proposal directly to the National Assembly.
Ajayi-Kadir warned that enforcing the ban would have severe economic consequences.
He estimated that it could wipe out over ₦1.9 trillion in investments, lead to the retrenchment of 500,000 direct employees, and displace around five million others who depend on the sector indirectly.
He added that such a move could also encourage the influx of illicit and smuggled alcohol products not regulated by NAFDAC.
“A ban will only open the floodgates to unwholesome substances and illegal imports,” he cautioned.
Ajayi-Kadir urged the government to instead fast-track the implementation of the National Alcohol Policy validated in October.
He said this policy already provides practical steps to address alcohol abuse without destroying local businesses.
“We support removing unsafe products from the market,” he said. “But regulatory decisions must be driven by data, not emotion. If the ban goes ahead, it will cost jobs, destroy livelihoods, and harm Nigeria’s economy