The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concern that the country’s manufacturing sector may face another crisis following the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) decision to ban the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles by December 31, 2025.
In a statement on Wednesday, Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, that the move contradicts ongoing efforts by stakeholders and is at odds with the current position of the House of Representatives on the matter.
He noted that the Ministry of Health’s earlier directive granting a one-year extension, which led to the consideration and validation of the draft National Alcohol Policy, should have been fully taken into account before any major announcement by another arm of government.
Ajayi-Kadir added, “We also believe that stakeholder consultations, either through public hearings or focused meetings with relevant parties in the alcoholic beverages industry, should have been conducted by the relevant Senate Committee before any ban is ordered. This was the approach painstakingly followed by the House of Representatives in the recent past.”
He emphasized that issues surrounding the ban had already been addressed by an enlarged committee comprising all stakeholders and NAFDAC representatives, who validated the National Alcohol Policy in October 2025. Key recommendations included:
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Implementation of multi-sectoral action plans
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Stricter enforcement by law enforcement agencies
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Establishment of licensed liquor stores/outlets in local government areas across the country
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Increased monitoring and compliance checks by NAFDAC, FCCPC, and other agencies to ensure product quality and safety
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Greater emphasis on regulation, monitoring, and public enlightenment campaigns to educate stakeholders and the general public about the dangers of underage alcohol consumption
Ajayi-Kadir also dismissed claims of widespread abuse by minors, “The unfounded and untested assertion that minors are abusing these products has been refuted by several independent government-conducted studies. Despite these reports, the industry has invested heavily in campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption, targeting underage abuse.”
He added that the industry has spent over one billion Naira on media campaigns nationwide, which have significantly contributed to reducing underage alcohol consumption.
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