Manufacturers Association of Nigeria urges reversal of ban on alcohol in sachets 

NIGERIA – The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Federal Government to overturn the recent ban on the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles less than 200ml.  

The association contends that the ban, instead of addressing the alleged concerns, would lead to adverse consequences for local businesses and the economy. 

The ban, implemented by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has been met with resistance from MAN, which argues that it infringes on the rights of entrepreneurs and harms local investors who have contributed significantly to the Nigerian economy. 

In a statement, MAN emphasized the need for the ban to be replaced with regulations and access control, asserting that the move was not in line with the right of private entrepreneurs to engage in legitimate business.  

The association also challenged the argument that the use of sachets is responsible for the reported increase in alcohol use among underage individuals. 

MAN’s Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, stated, “To go ahead with the policy based on perceived danger, without empirical information and not minding the consequences was unfair to the industry operators, the thousands of workers that will lose their jobs and inimical to the Nigerian economy.” 

Furthermore, MAN raised concerns about potential negative outcomes of the ban, including the emergence of a black market, the proliferation of fake and adulterated products, and damage to local manufacturing.  

The association urged the government to intensify efforts through access control and tighter regulations instead of imposing a ban. 

In response to the contentious ban, the House of Representatives has taken action by directing its committee on National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the prohibition of small bottles and sachets for beverage production in Nigeria. 

During the debate on the motion, member Paschal Agbbodike highlighted the constitutional authority of the National Assembly to make laws for the order and good government of the Federation.  

He emphasized that NAFDAC’s decision contradicts the Constitution and runs counter to the Economic Recovery Plan of the current administration. 

Agbbodike stated, “The decision to ban the registration of beverages in small sachets and bottles runs counter to the spirit and letter of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and runs against the Economic Recovery Plan of the current administration.” 

Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. HERE