The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised alarm over the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) directive banning the production and sale of sachet and small PET bottle alcoholic beverages by December 31, 2025. MAN’s Director-General Segun Ajayi-Kadir described the move as economically dangerous, predicting massive job losses and investment erosion.
Key concerns raised by MAN
Over ₦1.9 trillion in investments—mostly by indigenous companies—could be lost The Punch Nairametrics
500,000 direct jobs and 5 million indirect jobs (in marketing, logistics, contracts) are at risk The Punch
The ban contradicts the validated National Alcohol Policy, which was agreed upon by stakeholders including NAFDAC Nairametrics
MAN urges the Senate and NAFDAC to suspend the directive and reconsider its economic impact Nairametrics The Guardian Nigeria
Ajayi-Kadir emphasized that the ban is “unfair and against the run of play in the industry”, especially as the manufacturing sector is just beginning to recover from recent economic shocks.
Policy background
The ban follows a Senate resolution on November 6, 2025, mandating a full phase-out of small-packaged alcohol by year-end Nairametrics
The Ministry of Health had previously granted a one-year extension, allowing time for policy validation and stakeholder engagement The Guardian Nigeria
This development has sparked debate between public health advocates, who support the ban to curb underage drinking, and industry leaders, who fear economic destabilization.
