The Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association has warned that Nigeria’s public health objectives must not be pursued through what it described as inconsistent and economically damaging policies, following the renewed enforcement of the sachet alcohol ban.
In a press release dated January 29, 2026, FOBTOB criticised the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control over its enforcement of a ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers below 200ml, saying the approach is disproportionate and disruptive.
While acknowledging the importance of protecting minors and vulnerable groups, the association said the policy fails to address the root causes of alcohol abuse.
“Public health challenges require holistic, data-driven, and enforceable solutions, not blanket prohibitions that fail to address root causes,” FOBTOB stated.
The union argued that underage drinking is primarily an enforcement and social issue rather than a packaging issue. According to the statement, “Alcohol abuse among minors is primarily a challenge of effective enforcement, parental responsibility, public education, and social regulation, rather than one of packaging format.”
FOBTOB also challenged NAFDAC’s claim that its actions have not disrupted company operations. The association said there are “reports and documented instances of depots belonging to known businesses being sealed by NAFDAC while enforcing the ban in locations such as Enugu and Abakaliki.” It added that some depots “have remained sealed since 20th January 2026, despite housing a range of products that are not covered by the ban.”
The association warned that such actions threaten workers’ livelihoods, stressing, “As a labour union, the livelihoods of our members will be adversely affected by the closure of manufacturers’ depots.”
Highlighting the economic impact, FOBTOB said sachet and sub 200ml packaging forms the core of operations for many indigenous producers.
“For many indigenous distillers, blenders, and distributors, sachet and sub-200ml packaging does not constitute a marginal segment of their operations but rather is the foundation of the core business model,” the statement said.
FOBTOB warned that although NAFDAC maintains factories will not be shut down, the policy could still cripple businesses.
“Therefore, while NAFDAC states that factories will not be shutdown, the policy will result in economic shutdown, particularly for indigenous manufacturers and informal-sector participants,” it said.
The union called for dialogue involving regulators, lawmakers and industry players, insisting that “public health and economic survival are not mutually exclusive.” It urged authorities to pursue moderation, education and enforcement, rather than policies it said punish compliant businesses while failing to curb abuse.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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